Modifiable risk factors account for almost 40% of the worldwide cancer burden, according to an international study group released ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4. Based on data from 2022, an estimated 37.8% of the 18.7 million cancers worldwide were attributable to 30 modifiable factors, with 29.7% in women and 45.4% in men. Rates varied by geography, ranging as high as 38.2% in women and 57.2% in men. Smoking, infections, and alcohol consumption topped the list of modifiable risk factors, accounting for 28.5% of the worldwide cancer burden.
A breakdown by cancer site showed that lung, stomach, and cervical cancers accounted for almost half of all potentially preventable cancers. Smoking was the predominant modifiable factor for lung cancer; Helicobacter pylori infection for stomach cancer; and human papillomavirus infection for cervical cancer. Among men, other significant cancers included liver and colorectal cancers, with predominant modifiable factors including infection, smoking, alcohol, and high body mass index (BMI).
Geographic and Gender Differences
The study revealed striking male and female differences. Smoking dominates as the leading preventable cause for men, ranking as the most important cause of cancer in 126 of the 185 countries included. For women, infections lead, ranking first in 141 countries. These striking differences reflect distinct epidemiological patterns, cultural and social norms, and underscore why tailored prevention strategies are essential to reduce cancer burden.
Regional variations are substantial. Infections accounted for the most new cancers in sub-Saharan Africa (30.3%), South-Central Asia (18.1%), and Southeast Asia (16.7%). In contrast, smoking predominated in Northern Europe (12.5%), North America (12.2%), and Western Europe (10.6%). High BMI contributed disproportionately in North America, where the proportion was more than double the global average (5.2% versus 2.4%).
Experts emphasized that a one-size-fits-all global prevention strategy is not sufficient. Each country and region needs to adapt strategies to prevention priorities aligned with its specific cancer burden profile. The report stressed the importance of keeping focus on risk reduction rather than blame, as guilt and blame harm mental health, delay care, and reduce quality of life.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.medpagetoday.com/hematologyoncology/othercancers/119723