Prevent Cancer Tips : A recent
research highlights the health benefits of steering clear of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity. the study suggest that adapting some of the lifestyle changes could protect one from
cancer.
These behaviors are now identified as the leading preventable causes of cancer in adults, according to a study by the American Cancer Society.
How was the study conducted?
The study titled "Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States, 2019", estimated that nearly 40% of new cancer cases and 44% of cancer deaths among people aged 30 and older could be prevented by eliminating high-risk behaviors and adapting changes to daily lifestyle.
What did the study find?
The study published in the CA: A cancer Journal for clinicians, analyzed cancer cases and deaths which could have been avoided through lifestyle changes, behavior, diet, or vaccination. Vaccines for
HPV (human papillomavirus) and hepatitis B, which protect against cancer-causing infections, were particularly highlighted. The study also cited cancer risk from infections such as hepatitis B, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, HPV and Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus.
Lifestyle that could lead to cancer:
- Smoking (cigarettes and vape) and exposure to second-hand smoke
- Alcohol consumption
- Excess body weight, obesity and an unhealthy diet that further fuels unhealthy weight
- Diets rich in red or processed meats and low in fruits, vegetables, fiber, or calcium
What do the experts say?
Experts view this study as a critical reminder for public health leaders to prioritize prevention.
Experts have clarified that the study's intent isn’t to shame individuals but to educate them about the potential benefits of healthier choices. They also understand that lifestyle changes are challenging and take time. They are urging policymakers to create environments that make healthier decisions easier for individuals.
Preventable cancers and the number:
The study revealed that, in 2019, 40% of the 1.8 million cancer cases in adults aged 30 and older could be traced to modifiable risk factors. Key findings included:
- Smoking (cigarettes or vapes) accounted for 19.3% of cases, making it the top preventable factor.
- Excess body weight contributed to 7.6% of cases, this refers to failure in weight management and the rising cases of obesity
- Alcohol consumption was linked to 5.4% of cases
- Ultraviolet radiation caused 4.6% of cases
Preventable Cancers: The Most Affected
Lung cancer topped the list, with over 200,000 cases attributable to smoking. Other preventable cancers included:
Skin melanoma (50,570 cases)
Colorectal cancer (44,310 cases)
Despite declining smoking rates, lung cancer deaths tied to smoking remain alarmingly high. "This underscores the need for stronger tobacco control policies and early detection efforts," said Farad Islami, senior scientific director at the American Cancer Society and the study’s lead author.
Vaccine, Prevention and Progress
The American Cancer Society also highlighted the importance of vaccines in cancer prevention. Hepatitis B vaccination reduces the risk of liver cancer, while the HPV vaccine helps prevent cervical, anal, genital, mouth, and throat cancers.
Earlier this year, the American Cancer Society projected that U.S. cancer cases would exceed 2 million annually for the first time. However, progress is evident: declining smoking rates, earlier detection, and improved treatments have significantly reduced cancer-related deaths over the past three decades.
This research serves as a powerful reminder that adopting healthier habits and supporting public health measures can significantly reduce the burden of cancer for individuals and society alike.