A recent study published by the American Cancer Society has unveiled significant insights into the avoidable causes of cancer in adults. The research, which focused on individuals aged 30 and above, revealed that a remarkable 40% of new cancer cases and 44% of cancer-related deaths could be prevented through simple lifestyle modifications and vaccinations.
The study identified risky behaviours such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity as the primary contributors to preventable cancer cases among adults. Additionally, the consumption of red or processed meat, along with diets low in fruits, vegetables, dietary fibre, and calcium, were found to increase the risk of developing cancer.
Furthermore, the study underscored the risk of cancer-causing infections such as hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV. These infections were shown to significantly contribute to the development of certain types of cancer, including liver cancer, cervical cancer, anal cancer, and specific types of mouth and throat cancers.
Ernest Hawk, Vice President and Head of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, emphasized that the intent of the study was not to shame individuals for their lifestyle choices. Rather, he stressed that the goal was to inform and educate the public about the correlation between certain behaviours and cancer risk.
The study identified cigarette smoking as the top risk factor, accounting for 19.3% of preventable cancer cases, followed by excess body weight at 7.6%, alcohol consumption at 5.4%, and ultraviolet radiation at 4.6%. Lung cancer had the highest number of preventable cases, with over 200,000 cases linked to the identified risk factors.
In light of these findings, experts have called for the implementation of public health policies and initiatives to promote healthier behaviours and decrease the prevalence of preventable cancer cases. They emphasized the necessity of proactive measures at both the individual and societal levels to prioritise cancer prevention.
The study also highlighted the significance of vaccines for hepatitis B and HPV in lowering the risk of cancer. Additionally, the American Cancer Society advocated for early detection of lung cancer and comprehensive tobacco control policies to support smoking cessation efforts.
While the study underscored the alarming number of preventable cancer cases, it also shed light on the progress made in reducing cancer-related deaths in recent decades. Decreased smoking rates, improved treatments, and early detection measures have contributed to a decline in cancer mortality rates.
In conclusion, the study’s findings serve as a critical reminder of the impact of lifestyle choices on cancer risk and the importance of promoting healthier behaviours to prevent cancer. By adopting a proactive approach to cancer prevention, individuals and communities can work towards reducing the prevalence of this devastating disease.