WHO Study Finds Over One-Third of Global Cancers Linked to Modifiable Risks

A global analysis published in Nature Medicine and led by the WHO found that over one-third (about 38%) of the nearly 19 million cancer cases in 2022 were linked to 30 modifiable risk factors. Tobacco use was the largest contributor, responsible for 15% of cases, especially among men. Other significant factors included infections (10%), alcohol consumption (3.2%), air pollution, high BMI, and physical inactivity. Lung, stomach, and cervical cancers accounted for nearly half of preventable cases, with variations by region and gender noted.