The 40% of cancer cases preventable: the new American Cancer Society (ACS) study
Nearly half of all cancer cases in the United States could be prevented. The solution is to adopt healthier lifestyles and avoid certain risk factors
According to recent research by the American Cancer Society (ACS), there are several avoidable risk factors linked to the onset of cancer. The research findings reveal that nearly half of the cases (40 percent) of cancer in the United States could be prevented by adopting healthier lifestyles and avoiding certain risk factors. These data underscore the urgent need to intensify prevention policies with the aim of reducing exposure to these risk factors.
Smoking: major risk factor
“The number of lung cancer deaths attributable to cigarette smoking in the United States is alarming,” said Dr. Farhad Islami, scientific director of research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the report. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of cancer, contributing to nearly one-fifth (19.3 percent) of all cancer cases and 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States.
Other risk factors
The other risk factors highlighted in the report are:
- Obesity and overweight: about 70% of liver cancer cases are related to obesity emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight
- Alcohol: a cause of 5.4 percent of cancer cases, another risk factor to be controlled by moderate consumption or, if possible, avoiding it completely
- Physical inactivity: a sedentary lifestyle contributes to 3.1 percent of cancer cases. Regular physical activity is therefore strongly recommended, which is essential for general well-being and cancer risk reduction
- Poor diet: a diet high in processed foods, red meat and low in fruits, vegetables and fiber increases the risk of developing different types of cancer. Adopting a healthy, balanced diet is therefore a key element in prevention
- Infections: such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause liver cancer and cervical cancer. In this case, vaccination against HBV and HPV is an effective way to prevent these infections and associated cancer
The efforts of the American Cancer Society
The ACS and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), are working to promote policies at all levels of government that promote cancer prevention. These efforts consist of promoting smoking cessation programs, increasing access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity, and implementing comprehensive tobacco control policies.
Research, a step toward prevention
The results of the study are a reminder to take care of one’s lifestyle and take responsibility for one’s choices. The data show that many forms of cancer can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyles and reducing exposure to known risk factors. paying attention to these factors can significantly reduce the number of cancer cases and deaths in the United States.
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