; Preventing Cancer: 40% of Cases Could Be Avoided Worldwide

Up ⁤to four in⁢ ten cancer cases worldwide could be preventable, according to a new global analysis from the⁣ World Health Organization (WHO)⁢ and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The study, published on February 2nd, 2024, examines 30 preventable causes, including tobacco, alcohol, high body mass index, physical inactivity, ‍air pollution, ⁢ultraviolet radiation, and for the first time, nine cancer-causing infections.

The analysis estimates that 37% of all new⁣ cancer⁤ cases in 2022 – approximately 7.8 million cases – were linked to⁢ preventable factors. This highlights the significant potential of preventative measures in reducing⁢ the global cancer burden. The study was released ⁣ahead of World‍ Cancer⁤ Day, February⁢ 4th.

Key Findings ⁣of the Global Cancer Prevention Analysis

drawing on data from ⁢185 countries and 36 cancer types, the study identifies tobacco use as the leading preventable cause ⁣of cancer, responsible for 15% of all new cases globally. Infections account for 10%, and alcohol consumption for 3%.

Lung, stomach, and cervical cancers collectively represent nearly half of ⁣all preventable cancer cases in both men and women worldwide.

• Lung Cancer: Primarily linked to smoking and exposure to air pollution.
• Stomach Cancer: Largely attributable to infection with Helicobacter pylori.
• Cervical cancer: Overwhelmingly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

“This is the first global analysis to show how much cancer risk comes from causes we can prevent,” ⁤said Dr. André Ilbawi, WHO Team Lead for Cancer Control and one of the study’s authors. “By examining patterns across countries and population groups, we can provide governments and individuals with ⁤more specific ⁣details to help prevent ⁢many cancer cases before they start.”

Gender and Regional Differences

The burden of preventable cancer is notably higher in men (45% of new cases) compared to women (30%). ⁤Among men, smoking accounts for an estimated 23% ‍of all new cancer cases, followed by infections (9%) and⁤ alcohol ⁣(4%).⁣ Globally, among women, infections contribute to 11%⁤ of all new cancer cases, followed by smoking (6%) and high body mass ⁣index (3%).

Preventable cancer rates vary significantly across⁤ regions. Among women, these rates range from 24% in North africa and West Asia to 38% in sub-Saharan Africa. For men, the highest burden is observed in⁢ East Asia (57%), while the lowest is in Latin America and the Caribbean (28%). These differences⁣ reflect varying exposures to risk factors, socioeconomic conditions, prevention policies, and healthcare system capabilities.

“This landmark study⁣ is a complete assessment of preventable cancer worldwide,incorporating for the first time infectious causes of cancer alongside behavioural,environmental,and occupational risks,” said Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram,Deputy Head of⁤ the