WHO reports over one-third of global cancer cases are preventable

A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that approximately 38% of global cancer diagnoses are linked to modifiable risk factors. Data from 2022 showed nearly 19 million new cancer cases worldwide, with a significant portion preventable through lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and environmental controls.

Key drivers of these diagnoses include tobacco use, which is linked to 15% of all cases, and air pollution, which significantly impacts lung cancer rates in regions such as East Asia and North Africa. Additionally, infections like the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) account for roughly 10% of diagnoses. The WHO notes that lung, stomach, and cervical cancers represent nearly half of all reported cases.