New research highlights that avoiding smoking, excessive drinking, and obesity can significantly reduce cancer risks.
The American Cancer Society’s recent study reveals that 40% of new cancer cases and 44% of cancer deaths in people over 30 could be prevented by eliminating high-risk behaviors.
The study emphasizes the importance of adopting healthy habits, such as quitting smoking and drinking, to lower cancer risks.
It also highlights the need for public health initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles.
Examining preventable cancer cases, the study found that smoking, second-hand smoke, alcohol consumption, and obesity are major contributors.
Additionally, diets high in red or processed meats and low in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and calcium increase cancer risks. Infections like hepatitis B, HPV, and HIV also play a role.
Experts not involved in the study stress the importance of public health policies that encourage healthy behaviors.
Ernest Hawk from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center views this as a significant opportunity to reduce cancer rates through proactive prevention efforts.
Hawk underscores that the study aims to educate rather than shame individuals with high-risk behaviors, emphasizing the challenge of making lifestyle changes.
The goal is to support people in adopting healthier habits through helpful policies.
The study estimates that in 2019, 40% of nearly 1.8 million cancer cases in adults over 30 were linked to modifiable risk factors.
It identified cigarette smoking as the top risk, followed by excess body weight, alcohol consumption, and UV radiation.
Lung cancer had the highest number of preventable cases, followed by skin melanoma and colorectal cancers.
Farad Islami, the study’s lead author, highlights the alarming number of lung cancer deaths due to smoking and advocates for stronger tobacco control policies.
He also stresses the importance of early lung cancer detection.
The study also underscores the value of vaccines for hepatitis B and HPV in preventing cancer.
Hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer, while HPV can cause various cancers, including cervical, anal, and throat cancers.
While U.S. cancer cases are projected to surpass 2 million this year, the American Cancer Society notes that lower smoking rates, early detection, and improved treatments have reduced cancer death rates over the past 30 years.
Rapper Bamboo Reflects On Humbling Transition From Secular Music To Gospel
