A new global study led by the World Health Organization suggests that a large share of cancer cases could be avoided through prevention. According to the analysis, nearly 40 percent of cancers diagnosed worldwide in 2022 were linked to modifiable risk factors, highlighting the potential impact of targeted public health measures.
Key Findings From the Global Study
The research, conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and published in Nature Medicine, examined 36 cancer types across 185 countries. It found that 7.1 million of the 18.7 million new cancer cases recorded in 2022 were associated with modifiable risk factors.
These factors include tobacco and alcohol use, high body mass index, insufficient physical activity, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and occupational exposure to toxins such as asbestos. For the first time in a study of this scope, infectious agents such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus were also included.
Infectious Diseases and Preventable Cancers
The inclusion of infections revealed significant patterns, particularly among women. Cancers caused by infections accounted for 2.7 million preventable cases among women, or nearly 30 percent. Human papillomavirus related cancers, especially cervical cancer, represented the largest share of preventable cancers in women worldwide.
Despite the availability of effective vaccines, preventable HPV related cancers remain prevalent in regions such as Latin America and Sub Saharan Africa. Limited access to vaccination, gaps in screening, and vaccine hesitancy continue to drive higher incidence and mortality rates.
Differences Between Women and Men
The study also highlighted important differences in cancer risk between sexes. Among men, behavioral factors were the dominant contributors to preventable cancers. Smoking alone accounted for a substantial share, with 4.3 million preventable cases, or more than 45 percent of male cancer cases linked to modifiable risks.
Lung cancer, one of the most common cancers globally, showed similar underlying risk factors for both men and women, including tobacco use and air pollution. However, the number of cases was significantly higher among men, underscoring how exposure and behavior patterns influence outcomes.
Regional and Social Inequalities
The burden of preventable cancer varies widely by region. In higher income countries, widespread vaccination and screening have reduced certain cancer rates dramatically. In contrast, lower income regions continue to face higher preventable cancer burdens due to limited healthcare access and socioeconomic barriers.
Experts emphasized that prevention depends not only on individual behavior but also on health systems, education, and policy support.
Looking Ahead
With global cancer cases projected to rise by more than 50 percent by 2045, the researchers stress the urgency of prevention. They argue that targeted interventions tailored to regional, social, and gender specific realities could significantly reduce future cancer incidence.
Conclusion
The WHO backed study reinforces that millions of cancer cases could be avoided through proven prevention strategies. While not all cancers are preventable, addressing modifiable risk factors through vaccination, lifestyle changes, and environmental protections offers a powerful path to reducing the global cancer burden.