The World Health Organization (WHO) stated on Tuesday (Feb 3) that nearly 40% of cancer cases worldwide could be prevented if individuals avoided various risk factors.

These factors include smoking, drinking, air pollution, and certain infections.

According to a study published in Nature Medicine on the eve of World Cancer Day (Feb 4), an estimated 38% of new cancer cases globally in 2022, totaling about 7.1 million, were associated with preventable causes.

A research team, which included the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer, examined 30 factors that increase the risk of developing cancer.

The study identified tobacco as the primary cause, accounting for 15% of new cancer cases, followed by cancer-causing infections (10%) and alcohol consumption (3%).

Other risk factors include obesity, lack of physical activity, UV radiation, and exposure to hazards like asbestos in the workplace.

"This global analysis highlights the significant portion of cancer risk that can be prevented," said senior study author Andre Ilbawi, WHO's team lead for cancer control.

Almost half of preventable cases involve lung, stomach, or cervical cancer.

While smoking and air pollution were linked to lung cancer, stomach cancer was mostly associated with a bacterium, and cervical cancer cases were primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), against which vaccines are effective.

Men accounted for 45% of new preventable cancer cases, while women made up 30%.

The researchers urged countries to implement robust tobacco control measures and alcohol regulations, vaccinate against common infections like HPV and hepatitis B, improve air quality, ensure safer workplaces, promote healthier diets, and encourage physical activity to address these cancer risk factors.

"Addressing preventable risk factors not only reduces cancer incidence but also decreases long-term healthcare costs, enhances population health, and well-being," stated the WHO.

Cancer in Singapore

Between 2019 and 2023, the 2023 Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report revealed that 244 individuals per 100,000 in Singapore were diagnosed with cancer.

The Singapore Cancer Society reported that 17 individuals died from cancer daily during that period, highlighting that one in four Singapore residents faces a cancer risk by age 75.

From 2019 to 2023, the most common cancer among males in Singapore was [insert missing information], affecting 8,114 men.

During the same period, women were most frequently diagnosed with [insert missing information], with 13,935 cases reported.

According to the report, colorectal and lung cancers ranked as the second and third most diagnosed cancers in both men and women between 2019 and 2023.

In Singapore, lung, colorectal, and liver cancers were the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in males, while breast, colorectal, and lung cancers accounted for the highest number of cancer deaths among women and girls.

bhavya.rawat@asiaone.com