WHO Experts Named Three Main Causes of All Cancer Cases

Nearly four out of ten cases of oncological diseases in the world can be prevented by reducing the impact of key risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and infections associated with cancer development. This conclusion was reached by experts from the World Health Organization based on the results of a large-scale international study.

As reported by BAKU.WS citing Nature Medicine, scientists established that in 2022, approximately 38% of all new cancer cases - about 7.1 million - were caused by preventable factors. The study involved specialists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer at WHO, who analyzed the impact of 30 risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing oncological diseases.

The greatest threat is posed by tobacco: smoking caused approximately 15% of new cancer cases worldwide. Second place went to infections that contribute to tumor development (10%), third - alcohol consumption (3%). Excess weight, low physical activity, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and contact with hazardous substances in the workplace, including asbestos, also make significant contributions.

Almost half of all preventable cases were accounted for by lung, stomach, and cervical cancer. The development of lung cancer was mainly associated with smoking and air pollution, stomach cancer - with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. In the overwhelming majority of cases, cervical cancer was caused by human papillomavirus, against which effective vaccines exist.

Furthermore, the analysis revealed pronounced gender differences. Among men, the share of preventable oncological diseases was 45%, among women - 30%. At the same time, almost a quarter of such cases in men were associated with smoking, while for women this indicator was about 11%.

The study authors note that the results highlight the enormous potential for prevention. In their opinion, reducing cancer incidence is possible through strict anti-tobacco and anti-alcohol policies, expanding HPV vaccination, and promoting physical culture and a healthy lifestyle.