Almost half of all preventable cancer cases worldwide are linked to just two factors — smoking and alcohol consumption. This conclusion was reached by specialists from the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, as reported by ScienceAlert.
Almost half of all preventable cancer cases worldwide are linked to just two factors — smoking and alcohol consumption. This conclusion was reached by researchers from the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), as reported by ScienceAlert.
According to the study, approximately 19 million new cases of cancer were registered worldwide in 2022. About 38% of these were associated with preventable risk factors. The largest contribution came from tobacco smoking — it is linked to about 15% of all new cancer cases. Among men, this figure was even higher — up to 23%.
The second largest factor identified by researchers was alcohol consumption. Scientists estimate that alcohol was associated with approximately 3.2% of new cancer cases, which is equivalent to about 700,000 diagnoses per year. Together, smoking and alcohol account for nearly 48% of all preventable cancer cases, according to the study.
Among other risk factors, researchers highlighted obesity, insufficient physical activity, air pollution, infections, ultraviolet exposure, and occupational hazards.
The authors specifically pointed out the role of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which remains one of the main causes of preventable cancers in women, primarily cervical cancer. They reminded that there is a vaccine against HPV; however, vaccination rates in many countries remain insufficient.
Researchers also noted regional differences. For example, in East Asian countries, a significant portion of lung cancer cases among women is linked to air pollution, while in North Africa and Western Asia, a combination of smoking and adverse environmental factors significantly contributes to cancer statistics among men.
"Addressing preventable causes remains one of the most effective opportunities to reduce the global cancer burden," said WHO medical epidemiologist Isabel Sorgho-Mataram, who participated in the study.
The WHO study shows that a significant portion of cancer cases can be prevented through lifestyle changes and prevention. Experts emphasize that quitting smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, and the development of vaccination programs can significantly reduce the global cancer incidence.
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