Two Lifestyle Habits Behind Most Preventable Cancer Cases

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death, affecting millions of people worldwide. While most research has been focused on treating the disease, certain lifestyle habits have been associated with an increased likelihood of developing cancer. As awareness grows, more people are asking whether lifestyle, environment and early interventions can reduce the risk of cancer.

A new analysis conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) examined the link between various preventable causes and cancer. They found that in 2022 alone, approximately 37% of cancer cases (7.1 million) were linked to preventable causes. Among the causes analyzed, the study identified tobacco use and alcohol consumption as the two leading contributors of cancer. The study also highlighted that lung, stomach and cervical cancer accounted for nearly 50% of all the preventable cases.

Smoking has been known to be associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Studies have shown that smoking increases the risk of dying from cancer by three times relative to non-smokers. Consumption of alcohol has also been linked with an increased likelihood of developing cancers such as stomach cancer and liver cancer. Previous studies have shown that the consumption of alcohol contributed to over 75,000 diagnoses and 19,000 cancer-related deaths in the US alone each year.

In the study, cancer-causing infections were also found to be responsible for approximately 10% of cancer cases. Helicobacter pylori infections were linked with stomach cancer while human papillomavirus (HPV) was associated with cervical cancer.

Based on data provided by the WHO, it is estimated that one in five people develop cancer some time in their life. In 2022 alone, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer-related deaths.

The study found that the burden of preventable cancers were higher in men, with smoking being the primary cause of cancer. Infections, particularly by HPV, was the primary cause of preventable cancers in women. Such infections can be prevented through vaccinations.

“This landmark study is a comprehensive assessment of preventable cancer worldwide, incorporating for the first time infectious causes of cancer alongside behavioural, environmental and occupational risks. Addressing these preventable causes represents one of the most powerful opportunities to reduce the global cancer burden,” shared Dr Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of the IARC Cancer Surveillance Unit and senior author of the study.

Cancer prevention is a shared responsibility that begins with informed choices and healthy habits. While not all cancers can be avoided, many can be prevented through lifestyle changes, environmental protection, vaccination and early detection. According to the WHO, “Addressing preventable risk factors not only reduces cancer incidence but also lowers long-term health-care costs and improves population health and well-being.”