Summarised by Centrist
A groundbreaking study by the American Cancer Society has revealed that lifestyle choices, or modifiable risk factors, are responsible for more than half of all cancer deaths in the United States.
Four in 10 cancer cases and nearly one-half of all cancer deaths among adults aged 30 and older can be attributed to factors such as smoking, diet, and physical activity.
Despite significant declines in smoking rates, lung cancer deaths attributable to smoking emerged as the leading risk factor. It accounts for almost 20% of all cancer cases and close to 30% of cancer deaths.
Dr Farhad Islami, lead author of the report, stressed the importance of tobacco control policies and increased lung cancer screening efforts to curb this trend.
Excess body weight was identified as the second major modifiable risk factor, responsible for 7.6% of preventable cancers, followed by alcohol consumption (5.4%), UV radiation exposure (4.6%), and physical inactivity (3.1%).
The study also found that modifiable risk factors accounted for up to 100% of certain cancer types, including cervical cancer and Kaposi sarcoma.
Dr Ahmedin Jemal, a senior author of the study, highlighted the importance of increasing access to preventive healthcare and raising awareness about preventive measures, such as vaccinations for HPV and hepatitis B, which can significantly reduce the risk of cancers associated with these viruses.
