WHO: 1 in 4 Cancers are Preventable, New Report Reveals
The World Health Organization (WHO), with contributions from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), recently released a report coinciding with World Cancer Day on February 4th. The report highlights that approximately one in four cancer cases worldwide could be preventable.
A Significant Opportunity to Reduce the Global Cancer Burden
The report examined 30 preventable causes of cancer, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and infections. It estimates that in 2022, around 7.1 million new cancer cases – 37% of the total – were linked to preventable factors. These findings underscore the substantial potential for prevention in lessening the global impact of cancer.
Based on data from 185 countries and 36 cancer types, the report identifies tobacco as responsible for 15% of all new cancer cases globally and as the leading preventable cause of the disease. Infections account for 10% of cancers, and alcohol consumption for 3%.
Lung, stomach, and cervical cancers collectively represent nearly half of all preventable cancer cases worldwide. Lung cancer is primarily associated with smoking and air pollution, stomach cancer with Helicobacter pylori infection, and cervical cancer with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
Disparities in Preventable Cancer Rates
The report reveals significant regional variations in preventable cancer rates. Among women, these rates range from 24% in North Africa and West Asia to 38% in Sub-Saharan Africa. For men, the highest rate – 57% – is observed in East Asia, while the lowest, at 28%, is found in Latin America and the Caribbean. These differences reflect variations in exposure to behavioral, environmental, occupational, and infectious risk factors, as well as disparities in socioeconomic development, national prevention policies, and healthcare system capacity.
Preventable Cancers and Gender
Preventable cancer cases are notably higher in men than in women. New cancer cases are found in 45% of men and 30% of women. Specifically, an estimated 23% of all new cancer cases in men are attributable to smoking, 9% to infections, and 4% to alcohol. In women, 11% of all new cases are linked to infections, 6% to smoking, and 3% to a high body mass index.
The report emphasizes the need for tailored prevention strategies encompassing measures to address tobacco use, regulate alcohol consumption, implement vaccination programmes against cancer-causing infections like HPV and hepatitis B, improve air quality, ensure safer workplaces, and promote healthy diets and physical activity.
What Could Happen Next
Following the release of this report, governments may prioritize the development and implementation of national cancer prevention plans. Increased investment in public health initiatives focused on smoking cessation, vaccination programmes, and improved environmental regulations is a possible next step. Further research could also be conducted to refine understanding of regional variations and identify the most effective prevention strategies for specific populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of global cancer cases are potentially preventable?
The report estimates that 37% of all new cancer cases in 2022 – approximately 7.1 million cases – were linked to preventable factors.
What is the leading preventable cause of cancer globally?
Tobacco use is identified as the leading preventable cause of cancer, responsible for 15% of all new cancer cases worldwide.
Which cancers account for nearly half of all preventable cases?
Lung, stomach, and cervical cancers collectively represent nearly half of all preventable cancer cases globally.
Considering the significant proportion of cancers linked to preventable factors, what steps can individuals take to reduce their personal risk?