It is easy to feel powerless when it comes to cancer. The disease often seems like a roll of the genetic dice, something that strikes without rhyme or reason. But a massive analysis suggests you have more control over your risk than you might think.
According to a recent analysis from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one-third of all cancer cases globally are preventable. That means millions of diagnoses every year could be avoided through lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and environmental improvements.
The WHO’s report paints a stark picture of global health. In 2022 alone, there were nearly 19 million new cancer cases worldwide. Roughly 37% of those — about 7.1 million cases — were tied to changeable risk factors. While the study identified 30 different risk factors — ranging from air pollution to high body mass index — three specific drivers stood out above the rest. Of them, two are modifiable through behavior changes.
“Addressing these preventable causes represents one of the most powerful opportunities to reduce the global cancer burden,” notes Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of the IARC Cancer Surveillance Unit and senior author of the study.
Smoking tobacco is the single largest preventable cause of cancer. The WHO found that smoking was linked to 15% of all cancer cases globally in 2022. The risk is even more pronounced for men, with smoking contributing to nearly 23% of all new cancer cases in men that year.
While lung cancer is the most obvious consequence, tobacco use is also heavily linked to stomach and other cancers. Despite decades of public health warnings, this single habit remains the most significant barrier to a cancer-free future for millions of people.
Infections are the second-leading preventable cause of cancer overall, responsible for 10% of new cases globally. For women, a massive share of preventable cancers is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which drives cervical cancer rates. Meanwhile, stomach cancer is largely attributable to Helicobacter pylori infections.
The third-most significant preventable factor identified in the analysis was another modifiable factor: drinking alcohol. The WHO attributes 3% of all new cancer cases globally to drinking.
While many people associate alcohol primarily with liver damage, its link to cancer is extensive. The data suggests that even moderate consumption can contribute to the risk, reinforcing the idea that cutting back — or quitting entirely — is a tangible way to protect your health.
The takeaway from this data is not to live in fear, but to recognize the opportunity for action. The numbers show that nearly half of preventable cases are comprised of lung, stomach, and cervical cancers. These are areas where behavior changes can make a profound difference.
You cannot control your genetics or every environmental factor you encounter. But by managing the habits that are within your power to change — such as getting your daily steps in — you can significantly tilt the odds in your favor.
