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Up to four in ten cancer cases worldwide could be prevented, according to a new global analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its cancer research agency, IARC.

Released ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, the study estimates that 37% of all new cancer cases in 2022—about 7.1 million cases—were linked to preventable causes.

These include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, excess body weight, lack of physical activity, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and cancer-causing infections.

Based on data from 185 countries and 36 cancer types, the study found that:

Tobacco is the leading preventable cause, responsible for 15% of new cancer cases worldwide.
Infections account for 10%, including HPV and hepatitis.
Alcohol consumption accounts for 3%.
Nearly half of all preventable cancer cases involved lung, stomach, and cervical cancers:

Lung cancer was mainly linked to smoking and air pollution.
Stomach cancer was largely caused by Helicobacter pylori infection.
Cervical cancer was mostly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
“This is the first global analysis to show how much cancer risk comes from causes we can prevent,” said Dr André Ilbawi of WHO, noting that the findings can help governments and individuals take action before cancer develops.

Differences by Sex and Region

Preventable cancer was more common among men (45%) than women (30%).

Among men, smoking was the main cause.
Among women, infections were the leading preventable cause, followed by smoking and high body weight.
Rates also varied widely by region, reflecting differences in risk exposure, development levels, prevention policies, and health systems.

Call for Stronger Prevention

WHO and IARC stressed the need for strong prevention measures, including tobacco and alcohol control, vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B, cleaner air, safer workplaces, and healthier diets and physical activity.

Preventing cancer not only saves lives but also reduces health-care costs and improves overall well-being, the agencies said.