Health workers raise awareness on cancer prevention as WHO links 40% of global cases to avoidable risks.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that nearly four in ten cancer cases worldwide are caused by preventable risk factors.
In a new global analysis released ahead of World Cancer Day, the WHO and its cancer research agency found that 37% of new cancer cases in 2022 — about 7.1 million cases — were linked to avoidable causes.
These include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and cancer-causing infections.
WHO cancer control lead, Dr André Ilbawi, described the findings as a wake-up call, saying many cancers are not unavoidable.
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“This analysis shows how much cancer risk comes from causes we can prevent,” he said.
The study, covering 185 countries and 36 cancer types, identified tobacco as the leading preventable cause, responsible for 15% of new cases. Infections accounted for 10%, while alcohol made up 3%.
Lung, stomach and cervical cancers made up nearly half of preventable cases. Lung cancer was linked mainly to smoking and air pollution. Stomach cancer was tied to bacterial infection, while cervical cancer was largely linked to HPV.
Men were more affected. 45% of male cancer cases were preventable, compared to 30% in women.
Senior study author Dr Isabelle Soerjomataram said prevention must go beyond hospitals.
“Strong tobacco control, alcohol regulation, vaccination and cleaner air are critical,” she said.
WHO warned that without stronger action, countries will face rising health costs and heavier pressure on families.
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