A landmark study from the World Health Organization shows that up to 40% of all cancer cases worldwide could be prevented through simple, actionable changes. The analysis of 7.1 million preventable cancer cases in 2022 offers a roadmap for saving millions of lives.

The Power of Prevention

Released ahead of World Cancer Day, this groundbreaking analysis from WHO and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) examined 30 preventable causes across 185 countries and 36 cancer types. The findings are both sobering and hopeful: 37% of all new cancer cases in 2022 were linked to preventable causes.

"This is the first global analysis to show how much cancer risk comes from causes we can prevent," said Dr. André Ilbawi, WHO Team Lead for Cancer Control. "By examining patterns across countries and population groups, we can provide governments and individuals with more specific information to help prevent many cancer cases before they start."

The Top Preventable Causes

The study identified tobacco as the leading preventable cause, responsible for 15% of all new cancer cases globally. This was followed by:

  • Infections (10%) - including HPV, hepatitis B, and H. pylori
  • Alcohol consumption (3%)
  • High body mass index
  • Physical inactivity
  • Air pollution
  • Ultraviolet radiation

For the first time, the analysis included nine cancer-causing infections, revealing that vaccines and treatments could prevent millions of cases.

Three Cancers Account for Nearly Half

The study found that three cancer types – lung, stomach, and cervical cancer – accounted for nearly half of all preventable cancer cases worldwide:

  • Lung cancer: Primarily linked to smoking and air pollution
  • Stomach cancer: Largely attributable to H. pylori infection (treatable)
  • Cervical cancer: Overwhelmingly caused by HPV (vaccine-preventable)

Gender and Regional Differences

The burden of preventable cancer was substantially higher in men (45% of new cases) than women (30%). Among men, smoking accounted for 23% of cases, while among women, infections were the leading cause at 11%.

Regional variations were significant: preventable cancer in women ranged from 24% in North Africa and West Asia to 38% in sub-Saharan Africa. Among men, East Asia showed the highest burden at 57%.

A Roadmap for Action

Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of the IARC Cancer Surveillance Unit, emphasized the opportunity: "Addressing these preventable causes represents one of the most powerful opportunities to reduce the global cancer burden."

The findings point to specific prevention strategies:

  • Strong tobacco control measures
  • Alcohol regulation
  • Vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B
  • Improved air quality
  • Safer workplaces
  • Healthier food and physical activity environments

Why This Matters

Beyond individual health, prevention offers enormous economic and social benefits. Addressing preventable risk factors not only reduces cancer incidence but also lowers long-term healthcare costs and improves population wellbeing.

The report emphasizes that coordinated action across sectors – from health and education to energy, transport, and labor – can prevent millions of families from experiencing the burden of a cancer diagnosis.

💡 What you can do: Quit smoking, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, stay active, get vaccinated (HPV, hepatitis B), and advocate for cleaner air in your community. Small changes, massive impact.

Looking Forward

This landmark study provides the most comprehensive assessment of preventable cancer worldwide. It's a wake-up call – but one filled with hope. We now have a clear map of where to focus prevention efforts, and the tools to save millions of lives.

As Dr. Ilbawi noted, "We can provide governments and individuals with more specific information to help prevent many cancer cases before they start." That's not just good news – it's life-changing news.

Source: World Health Organization | Original study in Nature Medicine