Almost four in ten cancer cases worldwide could have been prevented, according to a major new analysis by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its cancer research arm, the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Released ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, the report estimated that 37% of all new cancer cases in 2022 – around 7.1 million people – were linked to causes that could have been avoided. That meant millions of families might never have faced a diagnosis if stronger prevention measures had been in place.

The study examined 30 risk factors across 185 countries. Smoking remained the single biggest preventable cause, responsible for 15% of new cancer cases globally. Infections came next at 10%, followed by alcohol at 3%.

Lung, stomach and cervical cancers made up nearly half of all preventable cases. Lung cancer was largely tied to smoking and air pollution. Stomach cancer was mainly linked to Helicobacter pylori infection, while cervical cancer was overwhelmingly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Men were more affected by preventable cancers than women, with 45% of male cases linked to avoidable risks, compared with 30% in women.

Health experts said the findings showed that practical steps – cutting tobacco and alcohol use, improving air quality, promoting vaccination and encouraging healthier lifestyles – could dramatically reduce the global cancer burden and save millions of lives.

Source: World Health Organisation