WHO Report: Nearly 40% of New Cancer Cases Could Be Prevented, Emphasizing Lifestyle and Risk Factors

Global - Ekhbary News Agency

WHO Report: Nearly 40% of New Cancer Cases Could Be Prevented, Emphasizing Lifestyle and Risk Factors

A landmark analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that nearly 40% of new cancer cases diagnosed globally each year could be prevented by modifying behaviors and addressing known risk factors. The study, published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, highlights the significant proportion of cancers attributable to avoidable causes, estimating that 37.8% of cases identified in 2022, approximately 7.1 million diagnoses, fell into this category. This alarming yet hopeful finding underscores the substantial potential of prevention in reducing the global burden of cancer, which affects nearly 19 million people annually.

The research, a product of international collaboration and in-depth analysis of data from 185 countries covering 36 types of cancer, examined 30 modifiable risk factors. Among the most frequently identified culprits are smoking, alcohol consumption, high body mass index, physical inactivity, air pollution, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. For the first time, the analysis also incorporated the impact of nine infections known for their carcinogenic potential, thereby broadening the understanding of cancer development mechanisms.

The findings position tobacco as the leading preventable cause of cancer worldwide, responsible for 15% of new diagnoses alone. Viral and bacterial infections rank second, contributing to 10% of cancers, closely followed by alcohol consumption, which accounts for approximately 3% of cases. These figures emphasize the necessity for concerted, multi-faceted action to tackle the root causes of the disease.

Among the cancers most directly linked to these preventable factors, the study specifically points to lung, stomach, and cervical cancers. Lung cancer is strongly associated with smoking and air pollution, while stomach cancer is often linked to Helicobacter pylori infection. Cervical cancer, on the other hand, is primarily triggered by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.

Dr. André Ilbawi, a WHO expert interviewed by RFI, noted that while some cancers are inherently linked to aging and natural cellular processes, the eradication of other forms is now within reach. "There will always be cancers related to aging, cell division, and other reasons," he conceded, before confidently asserting, "However, eradicating certain cancers is not a dream." He cited cervical cancer as a prime example, where near-total elimination is achievable through a strategy combining HPV vaccination, systematic screening, and treatment of precancerous lesions. The ambitious goal is to reduce incidence to fewer than four cases per 100,000 people, or even aim for zero. Currently, 65% of the global female population resides in countries where HPV vaccination is accessible, serving as an encouraging indicator.

In response to this analysis, the WHO is calling for more robust public health policies and targeted interventions. Increasing taxes on alcohol and tobacco is presented as a simple yet effective measure to deter consumption. Beyond fiscal measures, the agency stresses the importance of health education, access to screening and treatment services, and combating environmental factors like air pollution. International cooperation and the sharing of best practices are also crucial in addressing this global challenge.

This study marks a turning point in understanding cancer epidemiology, shifting the focus from solely managing the disease to a proactive prevention strategy. It offers a clear roadmap for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to build a future where the burden of cancer is significantly reduced. Hope is therefore warranted, provided that the recommendations are translated into concrete and ambitious actions on a global scale.

Ekhbary News Agency