Nearly Half of All Cancers Tied to Modifiable Risk Factors Like Smoking

By Kelly Young

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM

Nearly half of all new cancers and cancer-related deaths in the U.S. are due to potentially modifiable risk factors, according to a study in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

Using 2014 data from the CDC and the National Cancer Institute, researchers estimated the proportions of cancer cases and deaths among U.S. adults aged 30 and older that were attributable to modifiable risk factors.

Overall, 42% of all incident cancers except nonmelanoma skin cancers and 45% of all cancer deaths were attributable to modifiable risk factors. Here are the proportions of incident cancers and cancer deaths linked to the top risk factors:

• Cigarette smoking: 19% of cancer cases; 29% of deaths

• Excess body weight: 8% and 7%

• Elevated alcohol intake: 6% and 4%

• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation: 5% and 2%

The authors conclude: "Increasing access to preventive health care and awareness about preventive measures should be part of any comprehensive strategy for broad and equitable implementation of interventions to accelerate progress against cancer."