Epoch HealthMore Than Half of Cancer Deaths in US a Result of Lifestyle Choices: Study

Lifestyle Choices Significantly Impact Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the US

A comprehensive study published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians reveals that modifiable risk factors contribute to a substantial proportion of cancer cases and deaths in the United States. The American Cancer Society’s research team, led by Dr. Farhad Islami, analyzed data on cancer incidence, mortality, and risk factors to estimate the impact of lifestyle choices on 30 cancer types in adults aged 30 and older.

Key Points:

• Four in 10 cancer cases and about half of all cancer deaths in adults 30 and older in the US are attributed to modifiable risk factors
• Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor, contributing to nearly 20% of all cancer cases and close to 30% of cancer deaths
• Smoking accounts for 56% of potentially preventable cancers in men and almost 40% in women
• Excess body weight is the second main modifiable risk factor, contributing to 7.6% of potentially preventable cancers
• Alcohol consumption (5.4%), UV radiation exposure (4.6%), and physical inactivity (3.1%) follow as significant risk factors
• Modifiable risk factors account for 100% of cervical cancer and Kaposi sarcoma cases
• Lifestyle-based risk factors contribute to 50% or more of cases in 19 out of 30 different cancer types studied
• Lung cancer has the most cases attributable to modifiable risk factors in both men and women
• For women, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and colorectal cancer are most attributable to modifiable risk factors
• For men, urinary bladder cancer is among the top cancers attributable to modifiable risk factors
• The study emphasizes the need for increased access to preventive health care and awareness about preventive measures
• HPV vaccination uptake in the United States is described as suboptimal, highlighting an area for potential improvement in cancer prevention

“Despite considerable declines in smoking prevalence during the past few decades, the number of lung cancer deaths attributable to cigarette smoking in the United States is alarming.”
– Dr. Farhad Islami, lead author of the report

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