A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society has revealed that a significant percentage of cancer diagnoses and deaths in adults over the age of 30 in the United States are attributable to modifiable risk factors. These risk factors include smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Cigarette smoking was identified as the primary risk factor responsible for almost 20% of all cancer cases and 30% of cancer deaths. The study used data from 2019 on cancer incidence, mortality, and risk factor prevalence to reach these conclusions, highlighting the importance of addressing these modifiable risk factors in cancer prevention and control initiatives.
The study’s lead author, Farhad Islami, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about these risk factors in order to reduce cancer incidence and mortality. Smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy body weight, and maintaining a healthy diet were cited as examples of ways to reduce exposure to these risk factors. The study found that smoking was the most common modifiable risk factor for cancer in the United States, with substantial progress being made in reducing smoking rates in recent decades. However, more efforts are needed to further reduce smoking rates and ensure that all states and socioeconomic groups benefit from these efforts.
In addition to smoking, other leading modifiable risk factors for cancer cases included excess body weight, alcohol consumption, UV radiation exposure, and physical inactivity. The study highlighted the potential to significantly reduce the burden of cancer by implementing preventive initiatives targeting these risk factors. Recommendations for reducing exposure to these risk factors included limiting sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen for UV radiation, as well as implementing interventions to address excess body weight, unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity.
Researchers also explored the impact of modifiable risk factors on specific types of cancers, finding that more than 50% of cases of 19 out of 30 types of cancer could be attributed to these risk factors. Cervical cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, anal cancer, skin melanomas, and lung cancer were among the cancers with high percentages of cases attributable to modifiable risk factors. The study emphasized the importance of identifying tailored interventions to address these risk factors, particularly in marginalized populations who may be disproportionately affected.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors in cancer prevention and control efforts. By raising awareness about the impact of smoking, excess body weight, alcohol consumption, UV radiation exposure, and physical inactivity on cancer risk, public health initiatives can help reduce the incidence and mortality of cancer in the United States. Sharing this data with healthcare providers and patients can also help educate and empower individuals to make positive lifestyle changes to reduce their cancer risk.
