A recent analysis led by World Health Organization (WHO) scientists reveals that about seven million cancers annually could be prevented. The report underscores that roughly 37% of these cancers are attributed to preventable factors including infections, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposure. This includes cervical cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be mitigated through vaccination, and various tumors caused by tobacco smoke.
The findings present a significant opportunity to alter the trajectories of millions of lives, as noted by researcher Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, who emphasized the surprising fact that nearly four in ten cancers are preventable. The International Agency for Research on Cancer's comprehensive assessment reviewed 30 risk factors associated with cancer incidence globally.
Notable contributors to cancer include tobacco use, which accounts for 3.3 million cases, infections that lead to 2.3 million cases, and alcohol use precipitating over 700,000 diagnoses. The analysis delineates stark differences in preventability between genders, with 45% of cancers in men being preventable compared to 30% in women, largely due to higher smoking rates in men. Different regions exhibit varying dominant risk factors; for instance, sub-Saharan Africa sees infections contributing significantly to preventable cancers in women.
Ultimately, the report advocates urgent global health measures and policy changes to confront preventable causes, showcasing success stories from countries that have effectively implemented try to tackle smoking or HPV vaccination strategies. The researchers assert that significant improvements can be achieved over time with governmental intervention and public health initiatives.
The findings present a significant opportunity to alter the trajectories of millions of lives, as noted by researcher Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, who emphasized the surprising fact that nearly four in ten cancers are preventable. The International Agency for Research on Cancer's comprehensive assessment reviewed 30 risk factors associated with cancer incidence globally.
Notable contributors to cancer include tobacco use, which accounts for 3.3 million cases, infections that lead to 2.3 million cases, and alcohol use precipitating over 700,000 diagnoses. The analysis delineates stark differences in preventability between genders, with 45% of cancers in men being preventable compared to 30% in women, largely due to higher smoking rates in men. Different regions exhibit varying dominant risk factors; for instance, sub-Saharan Africa sees infections contributing significantly to preventable cancers in women.
Ultimately, the report advocates urgent global health measures and policy changes to confront preventable causes, showcasing success stories from countries that have effectively implemented try to tackle smoking or HPV vaccination strategies. The researchers assert that significant improvements can be achieved over time with governmental intervention and public health initiatives.
