About 40% of U.S. adult cancer cases in 2019 were linked to modifiable risk factors such as smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption, according to a new study by the American Cancer Society.
Hannah Docter-Loeb reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The study assessed cancer cases and deaths among U.S. adults 30 or older in 2019, finding 40 percent of cases linked to lifestyle factors.
- Leading risk factors include cigarette smoking, which contributed to 19.3% of cases, and excess body weight, accounting for 7.6%.
- Lung cancer, skin melanoma, colorectal cancer and bladder cancer had the highest proportion of cases attributable to these risk factors.
Key quote:
"Large numbers of cancer cases and deaths in the United States are attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors."
— American Cancer Society researchers
Why this matters:
Understanding the impact of modifiable risk factors on cancer cases highlights the importance of preventive measures. Public health initiatives focused on lifestyle changes could significantly reduce the cancer burden.
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