Lifestyle Choices Are Fueling a Global Cancer Crisis: WHO 

News Desk/APP

Islamabad:  Nearly four out of every 10 cancer cases worldwide could be prevented by avoiding known risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, air pollution and certain infections, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday, warning of an alarming global cancer burden.

New research released ahead of World Cancer Day found that 38% of all new cancer cases in 2022 — about 7.1 million — were linked to preventable causes. 

The findings were published in the journal Nature Medicine by a large team of researchers, including the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, who analyzed 30 factors that increase cancer risk.

Tobacco use emerged as the leading cause, responsible for 15% of all new cancer cases globally. Cancer-causing infections accounted for 10%, while alcohol consumption was linked to 3% of cases. 

Other major risk factors included obesity, physical inactivity, ultraviolet radiation, workplace exposure to hazardous substances such as asbestos, and air pollution.

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“This is the first global analysis to show how much cancer risk comes from causes we can prevent,” said senior study author Andre Ilbawi, the WHO’s team lead for cancer control.

Almost half of all preventable cancers were lung, stomach or cervical cancer. Lung cancer was strongly associated with smoking and air pollution, stomach cancer with infection by Helicobacter pylori, and cervical cancer with the human papillomavirus (HPV), against which effective vaccines are available.

The report also highlighted gender disparities, noting that men were significantly more likely to develop preventable cancers, with 45% of new cases linked to avoidable risk factors compared to 30% among women. Nearly a quarter of preventable cancers in men were caused by smoking, compared to 11% in women.

To curb the growing cancer burden, researchers urged governments to strengthen tobacco control and alcohol regulation, expand vaccination against infections such as HPV, improve air quality, ensure safer working conditions, and promote healthier diets and physical activity.

“If we want to reduce the cancer burden, we also need to reduce the noncommunicable disease burden,” said Katie Dain, CEO of the NCD Alliance. “Tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed food and air quality are major drivers of multiple kinds of cancer.”

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Echoing these concerns, health experts in Pakistan on World Cancer Day stressed the urgent need for early detection and greater public awareness, particularly in rural areas where late diagnosis continues to claim millions of lives.

‘Silent killer; is active in Pakistan

However Pakistan’s case is different. Speaking to a private news channel, oncologist Dr. Muhammad Ali warned of a rising incidence of blood cancer among children, noting that early symptoms are often overlooked by parents and caregivers, leading to delayed diagnosis and reduced treatment success.

He also highlighted breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men, emphasizing that delayed medical consultation allows these diseases to progress to advanced and more deadly stages. “Regular screenings, early consultation and routine examinations are critical to reducing cancer-related deaths,” he said.

Dr Ali cautioned that unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise significantly increase cancer risk. He advised individuals to remain vigilant for warning signs such as persistent fatigue, unexplained lumps or changes in bodily functions, and to seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor concerns.

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The oncologist further urged communities to adopt preventive lifestyle habits, including balanced diets, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, reducing exposure to environmental toxins and limiting excessive use of certain plastics, particularly in food storage and heating.

He concluded that cancer is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it can develop without obvious symptoms until it reaches a critical stage. Strengthening awareness campaigns, improving access to early screening and promoting healthy lifestyles, especially in underserved rural areas, are essential to reversing the alarming rise in cancer cases and saving lives.