New Study Reveals 40% of US Cancer Cases Tied to Lifestyle Choices

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Four out of every ten cancer cases and nearly half of all cancer deaths in adults aged 30 and older in the United States can be attributed to modifiable risk factors, suggested a recent study led by researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS). This translates to approximately 713,340 cancer cases and 262,120 cancer deaths in 2019 alone. These findings, published in the journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, underscore the critical need for public health initiatives focused on lifestyle and environmental changes to combat cancer(1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
New study finds 40-percent of cancer cases and almost half of all deaths in the US linked to modifiable risk factors

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Key Modifiable Risk Factors for Cancer

The study identified several key modifiable risk factors contributing to cancer incidence and mortality. These include:

• Cigarette Smoking:

  The most significant risk factor, accounts for roughly 20% of all cancer cases and 30% of all cancer deaths.

• Excess Body Weight:

  The second-highest population attributable fraction (PAF), responsible for 7.6% of cases.

• Alcohol Consumption:

  Contributing to 5.4% of cases.

• Physical Inactivity:

  Associated with 3.1% of cases.

• Diet:

  Particularly the consumption of red and processed meats.

• Infections:

  Including Helicobacter pylori, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Cigarette Smoking: The Leading Cause of Cancer

Cigarette smoking was found to be responsible for 56% of all potentially preventable cancers in men and 39.9% in women. Despite significant reductions in smoking prevalence over recent decades, lung cancer deaths remain alarmingly high. Dr. Farhad Islami, senior scientific director of cancer disparity research at the ACS and lead author of the report, emphasized the importance of implementing comprehensive tobacco control policies to promote smoking cessation and increase early detection through screening.

How Excess Body Weight Increases the Risk of Cancer

Excess body weight emerged as the second leading modifiable risk factor, associated with a rising frequency of various cancer forms, particularly among young people. Interventions aimed at maintaining a healthy body weight and diet could significantly reduce the number of cancer cases and deaths. The study highlighted the urgent need for public health strategies that encourage healthy eating habits and regular physical activity.

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Alcohol Consumption and Physical Inactivity Increases Cancer Risk

Alcohol consumption was linked to 5.4% of cancer cases, while physical inactivity contributed to 3.1% of cases. These findings suggest that lifestyle modifications, such as reducing alcohol intake and increasing physical activity, could have a substantial impact on cancer prevention.

Infections and Cancer Risk

The study also pointed out the significant role of infections in cancer development. Infections with Helicobacter pylori, EBV, HBV, HCV, HHV-8, HIV, and HPV were responsible for a considerable proportion of cancer cases. Effective vaccines are available for HBV and HPV, which can cause several types of cancer, including liver, cervical, and other anogenital cancers. Increasing vaccination rates could dramatically reduce the incidence of these cancers.

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Link Between Risk Factors and Cancer Type

The study found that the percentage of cancer cases attributable to modifiable risk factors varied widely by cancer type. For example:

• 100% of Kaposi sarcoma and cervical cancer cases were linked to modifiable risk factors.
• Over 80% of all skin melanomas and cancers of the anus, larynx, lung, pharynx, trachea, esophagus, and oral cavity were linked to these factors.
• Lung cancer accounted for the greatest number of cases related to identified risk factors, followed by colorectal cancer, urinary bladder cancer in males, and breast cancer.

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Implications for Public Health

These findings underscore the need for ongoing public health efforts to raise awareness about cancer prevention and ensure equitable access to preventive healthcare. Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president for surveillance and health equity science at the ACS and a senior author of the study, stressed the importance of preventive measures, including vaccination and lifestyle changes.

Comprehensive Tobacco Control Policies to Reduce Cancer Cases

Despite the decline in smoking rates, lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death. This highlights the need for comprehensive tobacco control policies, including higher tobacco taxes, smoke-free laws, and robust anti-smoking campaigns. Early detection through screening, such as low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, is also crucial.

Cancer Prevention by Adopting Healthy Lifestyles

Public health initiatives that promote healthy eating and physical activity can play a vital role in cancer prevention. Educational campaigns that inform the public about the risks associated with obesity, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles are essential. Policies that make healthy foods more accessible and affordable, as well as creating environments that encourage physical activity, are critical.

Increasing HBV and HPV Vaccination Rates to Prevent Cancer

Vaccination against HBV and HPV can prevent cancers caused by these viruses. Efforts to increase vaccination rates, particularly among young people, are vital. Public health campaigns that educate about the benefits of vaccination and address barriers to vaccine uptake can help achieve higher coverage rates.

The ACS study provides compelling evidence that a significant proportion of cancer cases and deaths in the United States are linked to modifiable risk factors. By addressing these risk factors through comprehensive public health strategies, it is possible to prevent many cancers and save lives. Smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption, increasing physical activity, and vaccination are key areas of focus. As Dr. Islami and his colleagues have demonstrated, effective interventions and policies can lead to substantial reductions in cancer incidence and mortality, improving the overall health and well-being of the population.