Study reveals preventable risk factors for millions of cancer deaths

Study highlights preventable risk factors behind millions of cancer deaths — Image credit: Unsplash+

A recent study by researchers at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and King’s College London has shed light on the significant impact of preventable risk factors on cancer deaths.

The research highlights the critical role of addressing these factors in reducing the global burden of cancer.

Smoking, alcohol consumption, being overweight or obese, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections have been identified as major contributors to millions of cancer-related deaths in the United Kingdom, United States, and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).

The global burden of cancer

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Projections indicate a significant increase in new cancer cases in these regions, with low-income countries expecting a four-fold increase in cases over the next 50 years.

At the same time, new cancer cases are predicted to increase by 50% in high-income countries such as the UK. These statistics highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to control and prevent cancer.

Years of life lost due to avoidable risk factors

To better understand the impact of preventable risk factors, researchers examined the number of years of life lost to cancer.

This approach allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the societal impact of cancer deaths. It assumes that a cancer-related death at a younger age results in a greater loss of potential years of life.

The alarming contribution of smoking

Smoking was found to be the most important preventable risk factor for cancer deaths, resulting in a staggering 20.8 million years of life lost each year.

This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive tobacco control action at the global level. Smoking contributes to the development of various types of cancer, with lung cancer being the most affected.

Gender differences in risk factors

The study also revealed gender differences in the impact of risk factors. Men had higher rates of years of life lost due to smoking and alcohol consumption, reflecting higher rates of tobacco use and alcohol consumption among men.

In contrast, women lost more years of life due to overweight or obesity and HPV infections. This highlights the importance of considering gender-specific risk factors for effective cancer control.

HPV and the urgent need for cervical cancer screening

HPV infections have been linked to a significant number of cancer deaths, particularly among women in South Africa and India. In South Africa, HPV-related mortality rates were six times higher than in the UK and US.

The study highlights the urgent need for improved access to cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination in countries with high HPV-related cancer burdens.

Conclusion and call to action

This research highlights the significant impact of preventable risk factors on cancer deaths worldwide. It serves as a reminder that prioritizing prevention and early intervention can save millions of lives.

Effective tobacco control measures, alcohol reduction strategies, weight control, and expanded HPV vaccinations and cervical cancer screening programs are essential parts of any comprehensive cancer prevention plan.

As the global community faces a growing cancer burden, collective efforts and actionable policies are needed to improve outcomes for cancer patients and save lives.

If you are interested in cancer, please read the relevant studies Artificial sweeteners are linked to a higher risk of cancerAnd How drinking milk affects the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Further information on the topic of health can be found in current studies The best time to take vitamins to prevent heart diseaseand results are displayed Vitamin D supplements significantly reduce cancer death rates.

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