Cancer is often seen as something that affects individuals, but a new analysis shows that societal conditions play a major role.
The study was conducted by the World Health Organization and the cancer agency IARC and was published in Nature Medicine.
Researchers analyzed data from 185 countries and 36 types of cancer.
They examined 30 factors that can, in principle, be changed, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, infections, and access to vaccination.
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The key point is that many cancer cases can be prevented through collective efforts and public health policy.
Differences around the world
The study shows major differences between regions and between men and women.
In parts of Africa, many women are affected by cancers linked to infections.
In East Asia, it is primarily men who are affected, often in connection with smoking and alcohol.
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According to Isabelle Soerjomataram from IARC, who spoke to Medical News Today, men are generally more exposed to known risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol.
At the same time, she points out that some risks affecting women are not fully included in the analysis.
Preventing cancer
Approximately one third of all new cancer cases globally can likely be explained by factors that can be prevented.
This corresponds to around 7.1 million cases, according to WHO and IARC.
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Smoking, infections, and alcohol are the most significant causes.
Physician Anton Bilchik tells Medical News Today that vaccination and early treatment can make a major difference.
Overall, the study indicates that cancer prevention is not only a personal responsibility but also a shared societal responsibility.
Sources: Medical News Today, and Nature Medicine.
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