A new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 30 preventable causes of cancer, with tobacco use leading the list. The research, based on data from 185 countries and 36 cancer types, estimates that 37% of all new cancer cases in 2022—over seven million—were linked to preventable risk factors.
The study found that tobacco is responsible for 15% of all new cancer cases globally, making it the leading preventable cause. Cancer-causing infections ranked second (10%), followed by alcohol consumption (3%). Other factors included high body mass index, physical inactivity, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation.
Results varied by sex: 45% of cancer cases in men were preventable compared to 30% in women. In men, smoking accounted for 23% of new cases, while in women, infections were the leading cause (11%), followed by smoking (6%).
Dr André Ilbawi, the study's author, said: 'This is the first global analysis to show how much cancer risk comes from causes we can prevent.' He added that the findings provide specific information to help governments and individuals prevent many cancer cases before they start.
The study was released ahead of World Cancer Day (4 February), which aims to raise awareness about prevention, detection, and treatment. The WHO described the findings as 'good news founded on strong science'.
