About half of cancer cases globally are attributed to specific risk factors, primarily smoking and alcohol, according to a study that emphasized the importance of preventive measures without viewing them as a complete solution to prevent the disease. The study, published in "The Lancet," was conducted as part of the "Global Burden of Disease" report. "According to our analysis, we attribute 44.4% of cancer deaths worldwide to a measured risk factor," the study stated.
Thousands of researchers from most countries are involved in the extensive "Global Burden of Disease" research program funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, unmatched in size. The study offered more details about risk factors based on different regions of the world, confirming what was already known: smoking is the leading cause of cancer (33.9%), followed by alcohol (7.4%).
The study subsequently called for significant attention to be given to prevention in public health, noting that several of these risk factors are related to behaviors that can be changed or avoided. However, half of cancer cases are not attributed to a specific risk factor, indicating that prevention alone is insufficient. The authors of the study believed that prevention must be accompanied by two other pillars: adequate early diagnosis and effective treatments.
In the same issue, "The Lancet" published an independent commentary by two epidemiologists who supported these conclusions, arguing that the study underscores the importance of prevention.
