According to a large study just published in the journal The Lancet, smoking and drinking are two major factors contributing to nearly half of all cancers. Scientists also show that more than half of all cancers are not due to specific risk factors.
A new large study published in The Lancet reveals more about what causes cancer. Thus, nearly half of all cancers worldwide are attributable to one or two specific risk factors, such as tobacco and alcohol. Research findings also highlight the importance of cancer prevention measures.
Our analysis found that 44.4% of global cancer deaths were attributable to measured risk factors. This was conducted under the Global Burden of Disease Program, a study involving thousands of researchers in most countries around the world.
Even if this study confirms what is already known, it allows us to take a closer look at risk factors by region of the world. Smoking is the most important risk factor for cancer (33.9%), followed by alcohol (7.4%).
Above all, these conclusions underscore the importance of prevention for public health, as these risk factors are associated with behaviors that can be altered or avoided.
However, half of all cancers are not due to specific risk factors, suggesting that prevention is not sufficient. According to the authors, this should be accompanied by two pillars: early diagnosis and effective treatment.