It is a fact, some cancers are linked to preventable risk factors. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 41% of cancers are considered preventable. This means that their appearance is linked to risk behaviors such as tobacco, alcohol or unhealthy food.
Through a campaign broadcast from April 3 to 21, 2021, “Make the right choices now, you’ll thank yourself later”, the National Cancer Institute (INCa) hopes to raise awareness the French to avoidable risk factors for cancer.
“Behaviors and lifestyle habits can have a huge impact on our health and in particular on the risk of developing cancer. While every year, nearly half of new cancer cases might be avoidedthanks to everyday gestures, the French seem not always to perceive the right weight of preventable risk factors on the occurrence of the disease”, reports the INCa in a press release.
INCa targets in particular the tobacco and alcohol consumption, unbalanced diet and sedentary lifestyle. “Four behaviors that should be adjusted today for better health tomorrow”.
What are preventable cancers?
Cancers may be linked to certain so-called “internal” risk factors. These may relate to our age or to our family history. Indeed, although cancers can appear at any age, they are more frequent as we age. “This is due to the accumulation of aggressions suffered by the cells and, probably, to a reduced efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms“, explains The League once morest cancer.
In addition, some people have a higher risk of developing cancer than others since birth, they have certain mutations in one or more of their genes. Less than 1 cancer in 10 would have an origin hereditary.
On the other hand, other risk factors are linked to our behavior. These are referred to as “external” risk factors. They are related to our way of life or our environment. “Sometimes underestimated, yet they are responsible for more cases of cancer than those caused by age or heredity. It is thus estimated that 4 out of 10 cancers might be prevented“. This is particularly the case for lung cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer or liver cancer.
What behaviors should be adjusted to prevent risks? Answers in pictures. INCa reviews the good habits to adopt today to protect you tomorrow.
