I am a cancer doctor and regularly think about why an individual gets the disease.
A groundbreaking study led by the American Cancer Society (ACS) has unveiled a startling truth about the cancer epidemic in the United States:
Nearly half of all cancer cases and deaths in adults over 30 are linked to preventable causes.
This number translates to a staggering 713,340 cancer cases and 262,120 deaths in 2019 alone that could have potentially been avoided.
The Usual Suspects
The culprits? Everyday choices like the following:
- smoking
- excess weight
- alcohol consumption
- lack of exercise
- poor diet
- infections
This revelation underscores the urgent need for widespread lifestyle changes and offers a glimmer of hope.
By understanding and addressing these modifiable risk factors, we can empower ourselves to take control of our health and significantly reduce the burden of cancer in our society.
After reviewing the new study findings, I look forward to providing some tips for reducing your risk of ever developing (or dying from) cancer.
The New Study
Researchers recently took a deep dive into cancer causes.
Researchers calculated the contribution of various risk factors.
In this groundbreaking analysis, a team of researchers led by Dr. Farhad Islami of the American Cancer Society delved deep into the connection between lifestyle choices and cancer risk.
By meticulously analyzing the prevalence of known risk factors and their impact on cancer development, the team estimated the proportion of cancer cases attributed to these modifiable factors.
Study Details
This innovative approach allowed them to paint a vivid picture of the cancer landscape in the United States, revealing this:
We could potentially avoid a staggering number of cancer-related cases and deaths through lifestyle changes.
The risk factors under scrutiny included smoking, secondhand smoke, excess weight, alcohol consumption, red and processed meat intake, low fruit and vegetable consumption, lack of fiber and calcium in the diet, physical inactivity, exposure to ultraviolet light, and several cancer-associated infections.
By shedding light on the profound impact of these modifiable risk factors, this study empowers individuals to take charge of their health and make informed decisions to reduce their cancer risk.
Here are some of my takeaway messages from the new research.
Not Surprisingly, Smoking Leads the Bad Habits List
As a cancer doctor, I am not surprised to see that the leading risk factor — cigarette smoking — contributed to nearly one in five cancer cases.
Let me repeat that disturbing figure:
Cigarette smoking is linked to nearly one in five cancers. Moreover, the habit is linked to nearly three in 10 cancer-related deaths.
Yes, smoking has declined over the last several decades.
In 1991, 70 percent of teens reported having tried smoking. This percentage dropped to 18 percent in 2021.
Still, I am alarmed.
Other Modifiable Cancer Risk Factors
Besides smoking, other everyday habits and lifestyle choices like carrying extra weight, drinking alcohol, not getting enough exercise, eating an unhealthy diet, and certain infections also played a significant role in causing cancer and cancer-related deaths.
Don’t get me wrong: I know about these cancer risk factors as an oncologist.
But what surprises me is this:
Four out of 10 cancers (and 44 percent of cancer deaths) among U.S. adults 30 or older could be attributable to lifestyle-related risk factors.
However, the study reminds me of good actions for my cancer patients and others.
The Biggest Contributants to Cancer Risk
Here is a graphic representation of the relative contributions of lifestyle elements to cancer risk:
Cigarette smoking is the leading cancer risk factor, contributing to 19 percent of cancer cases and 28.5 percent of cancer deaths.
Here are other top risk factors:
- Excess body weight — contributes to nearly eight percent of cancer cases and seven percent of cancer-related deaths.
- Alcohol — contributes to 5.4 percent of cancer cases and four percent of cancer deaths.
- The top five cancer risk factors are UV radiation exposure and physical inactivity.
Cancer Types
The cancer types with the greatest number of cases attributable to potentially changeable risk factors include the following:
- Lung cancer — 201,660 cases
- Breast cancer — 83,840 cases
- Melanoma — 82,710 cases
- Colorectal cancer — 78,440 cases
What You Can Do
There is nothing I can do that guarantees I will not get cancer.
On the other hand, I can pursue some potential risk-reducing maneuvers.
- I have had a hepatitis B virus vaccine, reducing my liver cancer risk.
- I don’t smoke; if I did, I would quit. If I had a significant smoking history, I would get lung cancer screening with CT imaging.
- I don’t drink. There may be no safe dose (when it comes to cancer), but if I drank, I would cap it at seven standard drinks weekly.
- I maintain a healthy weight.
- I try to eat a balanced diet.
- I get regular physical activity.
- I get sufficient sleep, aiming for seven to nine hours daily.
- I wear sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure. I would never go to a tanning salon.
- I have gotten better at listening to my body. I check in with my primary care provider if I have a concern.
- I get appropriate cancer screening, including for colorectal and prostate cancer. If I were a woman, I would get screened for cervix cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Cancer: Screening
www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.
Prostate Cancer: Screening
www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.
Breast Cancer: Screening
www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.
Cervical Cancer: Screening
www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.
One more thing: Young folks should consider vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV):
