Global and regional cancer burden attributable to modifiable risk factors

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity globally, largely attributable to modifiable risks. Analysis using GLOBOCAN data for 36 cancer sites in 185 countries estimated the 2022 global and national cancer burden attributable to such factors. In 2022, an estimated 7.1 million of 18.7 million new cancer cases (37.8%) were attributable to 30 modifiable factors – 2.7 million (29.7%) in women and 4.3 million (45.4%) in men. The proportion of preventable cancers ranged from 24.6% to 38.2% in women and from 28.1% to 57.2% in men across regions. Smoking (15.1%), infections (10.2%), and alcohol consumption (3.2%) were the leading contributors to cancer burden. Lung, stomach, and cervical cancers represented nearly half of preventable cancers. The authors conclude that strengthening efforts to reduced modifiable exposures remains central to global cancer prevention.