Cancer Prevention: New Study Links 38% of Cases to Modifiable Risk Factors

A new global study reveals that a significant portion of cancer cases – 37.8% of the 18.7 million diagnosed in 2022 – are linked to modifiable risk factors. This translates to 7.1 million cases potentially preventable by addressing factors like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and certain infectious diseases. The findings, published February 3, 2026, in Nature Medicine, represent a pivotal shift in cancer prevention strategies.

Understanding Modifiable Risk Factors

Researchers analysed 36 types of cancer across 185 countries, identifying 30 modifiable risk factors. These include well-established carcinogens like smoking, alcohol, air pollution, and environmental toxins, as well as factors like a high body mass index, insufficient physical activity, smokeless tobacco, and certain breastfeeding practices. For the first time in a study of this scope, infectious agents – specifically hepatitis B and the human papillomavirus (HPV) – were also included as contributing factors.

Did You Know? In countries with high incomes, such as Australia, cancer of the cervix is nearly eradicated, with only 5 cases per 100,000 people.

Disparities in Cancer Prevention

While preventative measures like HPV vaccination exist, their impact varies significantly across the globe. Isabelle Soerjomataram, a cancer monitoring specialist at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO), notes that despite the high effectiveness of HPV vaccines in protecting against cervical cancer, “the reticence to vaccinate is very real.”

The study highlights stark regional differences. In Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, rates of HPV-related cancers, particularly cervical cancer, remain high. In 2022, the World Cancer Observatory recorded over 63,000 cases of cervical cancer and more than 30,000 deaths from the disease in Latin America alone.

Access to Healthcare is Key

Maria Paula Curado, a leading cancer epidemiologist at the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center in São Paulo, Brazil, explains that high mortality rates in Latin America are linked to limited access to both HPV vaccination and early treatment. Cultural beliefs also play a role; in some areas of southern Brazil, families mistakenly believe HPV vaccination may encourage early sexual activity.

Expert Insight: The inclusion of infectious agents like HPV and hepatitis B in this study underscores the interconnectedness of public health and cancer prevention. Addressing these factors requires not only medical interventions like vaccination, but also broader efforts to improve healthcare access and address cultural barriers.

While vaccination coverage in some regions of Brazil is around 67%, and increasing with recent adoption of the vaccine, a coverage rate of approximately 80% is considered ideal.

What Could Happen Next

The findings from this study could lead to increased investment in preventative healthcare measures globally. It is likely that public health campaigns will focus on raising awareness about modifiable risk factors and promoting vaccination programmes. Further research may explore the complex interplay between these factors and identify new strategies for cancer prevention. However, the success of these efforts will depend on addressing disparities in healthcare access and overcoming cultural barriers to vaccination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of cancer cases are linked to modifiable risk factors?

37.8% of the 18.7 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2022 were linked to modifiable risk factors, representing 7.1 million cases.

Which virus is responsible for the largest proportion of preventable cancers in women?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) represents the largest proportion of preventable cancers in women globally.

Where are rates of cervical cancer particularly high?

Rates of HPV-related cancers, especially cervical cancer, remain high in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa.

Considering the significant number of cancer cases linked to preventable factors, what role do you believe individual lifestyle choices play in overall cancer rates?