Nearly half of adult cancer deaths in the US could be prevented by making lifestyle changes, study finds

(CNN) – About 40% of new cancer cases among adults ages 30 and older in the United States — and nearly half of deaths — could be attributed to preventable risk factors, according to a new study from the American Cancer Society.

“These are things that people can practically change how they live every single day to reduce their risk of cancer,” said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer with the American Cancer Society (McPhillips). [Click here for full article]

Synopsis

The recent CNN article highlights that almost half of cancer cases and deaths are linked to preventable factors, primarily lifestyle-related ones. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 42% of cancer cases and 45% of cancer deaths are associated with modifiable risk factors. These factors include smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, and exposure to UV radiation​ (Guglielmi)​​ (McPhillips)​.

Cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause, responsible for 19% of all cancer cases and nearly 29% of cancer deaths. Excess body weight and alcohol consumption also contribute significantly, with obesity linked to 7.8% of cases and 6.5% of deaths, and alcohol to 5.6% of cases and 4% of deaths. Physical inactivity and poor diet, including low intake of fruits, vegetables, and dietary fiber, are other critical factors​ (McPhillips)​.

The study underscores the importance of public health initiatives focused on lifestyle modifications to reduce the burden of cancer. These findings can help guide policies and programs aimed at prevention, emphasizing smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption, and promoting physical activity and healthy eating​ (McPhillips)​.

Articles

• [Principal Article]
  Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States, 2019 (American Cancer Society Journals, Farhad Islami MD, PhD, Emily C. Marlow PhD, Blake Thomson DPhil, MPhil, Marjorie L. McCullough ScD, RD, Harriet Rumgay PhD, Susan M. Gapstur PhD, MPH, Alpa V. Patel PhD, Isabelle Soerjomataram MD, PhD, MSc, Ahmedin Jemal DVM, PhD; July 11, 2024)
• Nearly half of adult cancer deaths in the US could be prevented by making lifestyle changes, study finds (CNN, Diedre McPhillips, July 11, 2024)
• Almost half of cancer deaths are preventable (Nature, Giorgia Guglielmi, August 31, 2022)
• Popular weight-loss and diabetes medications linked to lower risk of some cancers, study finds (CNN, Diedre McPhillips, July 8, 2024)