WHO: Millions of Cancer Cases Could Be Avoided With Lifestyle Changes

Cancer can feel unavoidable—but new research suggests otherwise. A major analysis from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that more than one in three cancer cases worldwide could be prevented.

In 2022 alone, nearly 19 million people were diagnosed with cancer, and 38% of those cases were linked to modifiable risk factors. Lung, stomach, and cervical cancers accounted for almost half of all preventable cases.

At the top of the list? Tobacco smoking, responsible for 15% of all cancer diagnoses globally, and nearly one in four cases among men. Alcohol consumption followed, contributing to around 700,000 new cancer cases.

Environmental and regional factors also play a role. Air pollution significantly increases lung cancer risk—especially for women in East Asia and men in Northern Africa and Western Asia. Infections, including high-risk HPV, were linked to about 10% of all new cancers, despite the availability of effective vaccines.

Other preventable risks include high body weight, lack of physical activity, ultraviolet radiation, poor air quality, occupational exposures, and limited access to clean water and sanitation.

According to WHO researchers, tackling these risks through policy, healthcare access, vaccination, and lifestyle changes could dramatically reduce the global cancer burden—before disease ever begins.