Risk factors identified included smoking, passive smoking, being overweight, alcohol consumption, consumption of red and processed meat, inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables, exposure to ultraviolet light, and infection with cancer-related viruses.
It is estimated that 40 percent of cancer cases and 44 percent of deaths can be attributed to modifiable risk factors. Smoking is the leading risk factor, contributing to 19.3 percent of cancer cases and 28.5 percent of deaths. Being overweight is also a leading risk factor, contributing to 7.6 percent of cancer cases. Other leading risk factors for cancer cases include alcohol consumption (5.4 percent), exposure to ultraviolet light (4.6 percent), and physical inactivity (3.1 percent).
The researchers also looked at the relationship between risk factors and several types of cancer. Lung cancer had the highest number of cases and deaths that could be attributed to risk factors in both men and women. Skin melanoma, colorectal cancer, and bladder cancer also had a high proportion of cases that could be attributed to risk factors.
“Many cancer cases and deaths in the United States are attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors, highlighting the potential for substantial reductions in the cancer burden through widespread and equitable implementation of preventive measures,” the researchers wrote.
This article is part of The Washington Post’s “Big Numbers” series, which provides brief statistical insights into health issues. Additional information and related studies are available via hyperlinks.
