New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) A staggering 40% of cancer cases worldwide, totaling 7.1 million, are potentially preventable, as highlighted in a recent global study published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This insightful analysis was released on World Cancer Day, February 4.

The report emphasizes tobacco as the primary preventable factor for cancer, accounting for 15% of all newly diagnosed cases globally.

Moreover, it uncovered that nine infections known to cause cancer contribute to approximately 10% of cancer incidences.

Additional risk factors include alcohol consumption, elevated body mass index, lack of physical activity, air pollution, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

This comprehensive analysis, which reviewed data from 185 countries and 36 types of cancer, found that an estimated 37% of new cancer cases in 2022, equating to about 7.1 million cases, were linked to preventable causes.

The analysis revealed that three specific cancer types—lung, stomach, and cervical cancer—together constituted nearly half of all preventable cancer cases across genders worldwide.

Lung cancer has been primarily associated with smoking and air pollution, while stomach cancer is largely linked to Helicobacter pylori infection, and cervical cancer is primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Dr. Ilbawi, WHO Team Lead for Cancer Control and a study author, stated, "This is the first global analysis to reveal the proportion of cancer risk attributable to preventable causes." He further explained that by examining trends across nations and demographic groups, more tailored prevention information can be provided to governments and the public.

The report indicated that the burden of preventable cancer is significantly higher in men than women, with 45% of new cases in men compared to 30% in women.

In men, smoking contributed to an estimated 23% of all new cancer cases, followed by infections at 9% and alcohol at 4%. For women, infections accounted for 11% of new cases, with smoking at 6% and high body mass index at 3%.

The findings highlight the pressing need for targeted prevention strategies, which should encompass robust tobacco control, alcohol regulations, vaccination against cancer-causing infections like HPV and hepatitis B, enhanced air quality, safer work environments, and healthier food and physical activity options.

Addressing these preventable risk factors not only decreases cancer rates but also reduces long-term healthcare costs and boosts overall population health and well-being, as stated in the study.