A recent study by the American Cancer Society highlights that approximately 40% of new cancer cases and nearly half of cancer-related deaths among adults aged 30 and older in the United States are attributable to preventable risk factors. Dr. Arif Kamal, the society’s chief patient officer, emphasized that individuals can take practical steps in their daily lives to reduce their cancer risk.
The study underscores the significant impact of lifestyle choices on cancer incidence and mortality. Common preventable risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, and exposure to harmful substances like ultraviolet radiation and certain chemicals. By addressing these factors, individuals can greatly reduce their likelihood of developing cancer and improve overall public health outcomes.
According to the study by the American Cancer Society, smoking is the leading preventable risk factor for cancer, contributing to nearly 1 in 5 cancer cases and almost one-third of cancer deaths. Other significant risk factors identified include:
- Excess body weight
- Alcohol consumption
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Infections such as HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
These findings highlight the critical importance of lifestyle choices in cancer prevention. Addressing these risk factors through smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating alcohol intake, engaging in regular physical activity, adopting a nutritious diet, and preventing infections like HPV can substantially reduce the incidence and mortality of cancer.
The study by the American Cancer Society analyzed 18 modifiable risk factors across 30 types of cancer and found that in 2019, these factors were linked to over 700,000 new cancer cases and more than 262,000 deaths.
Key points from the study include:
- DNA Damage and Fuel Sources: Cancer develops due to DNA damage or because it has a fuel source. Modifiable risk factors contribute significantly to these conditions.
- Modifiable vs. Non-Modifiable Factors: While genetics and environmental factors also play roles in cancer development, modifiable risks explain a significantly larger share of cancer cases and deaths. For example, exposure to sunlight can damage DNA and lead to skin cancer, while fat cells produce hormones that can fuel certain cancers.
- Sense of Control: Dr. Arif Kamal emphasized the importance of understanding that individuals can exert control over many risk factors. This perspective can shift the focus from feeling helpless due to bad luck or genetics to taking actionable steps to reduce cancer risk.
- Prevention Variability: Some cancers are more preventable than others. Modifiable risk factors contributed to more than half of new cases for 19 of the 30 types of cancer evaluated.
By addressing these modifiable risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer and improve their overall health outcomes.
The study by the American Cancer Society identified 10 types of cancer where modifiable risk factors were attributed to at least 80% of new cases. Notable findings include:
- Melanoma: More than 90% of cases are linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure.
- Cervical Cancer: Nearly all cases are linked to HPV infection, which is preventable with vaccination.
- Lung Cancer: Had the largest number of cases attributable to modifiable risk factors, with over 104,000 cases among men and 97,000 among women, primarily linked to smoking.
These findings emphasize the potential for cancer prevention through lifestyle changes and vaccination:
- UV Protection: Reducing exposure to UV radiation through sun protection measures can prevent the majority of melanoma cases.
- HPV Vaccination: Widespread vaccination can nearly eliminate cervical cancer caused by HPV.
- Smoking Cessation: Eliminating smoking can drastically reduce lung cancer incidence.
By focusing on these preventable factors, significant progress can be made in reducing the burden of these cancers.
The study highlights that after smoking, excess body weight is the second largest contributor to cancer cases:
- Excess Body Weight: Linked to about 5% of new cancer cases in men and nearly 11% in women.
- Cancer Deaths: Associated with more than a third of deaths from cancers of the endometrium, gallbladder, esophagus, liver, and kidney.
A related recent study also found that popular weight-loss and diabetes medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy significantly reduce the risk for certain cancers.
Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, noted that obesity is emerging as a potent risk factor for cancer, comparable to smoking. Although Dr. Plescia was not involved in the new study, his experience in cancer prevention initiatives underscores the critical role of addressing obesity in reducing cancer risk.
These findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight through diet, exercise, and potentially medication to lower the risk of cancer and improve overall health outcomes.
With the rise in early-onset cancer rates in the US, experts emphasize the importance of establishing healthy habits early in life. Preventive measures include:
- Early Habits: Developing healthy behaviors early on can prevent difficulties in quitting smoking or losing weight later in life.
- Continuous Benefits: It’s never too late to make positive health changes, which can significantly impact cancer risk even later in life. Dr. Marcus Plescia points out that adopting healthier behaviors can profoundly improve health outcomes regardless of age.
- Quick Impact: Minimizing exposure to cancer risk factors can reduce cancer risk relatively quickly. Dr. Arif Kamal highlights that as cancer is a daily risk due to cell division, reducing risk factors daily can have immediate and ongoing benefits.
These insights underline the crucial role of consistent and proactive lifestyle choices in cancer prevention.