Almost Half of All Cancers are Likely Preventable

In 10 seconds? A long-term international study has found that about 44% of all cancers can be linked to so-called modifiable risk factors. These data can give policymakers insights into what strategies will best combat cancer on a large scale.

What do you mean by “modifiable risk factors”? A wide range of things can influence whether a person gets cancer or not. Many aspects, like genetics or age, are beyond patients’ and doctors’ control (these are called non-modifiable risk factors). However, certain risk factors, frequently environmental or dietary (like smoking or drinking alcohol), can be intentionally modified. Researchers from around the world compiled data to determine the extent modifiable risk factors impacted global cancer burden.