Amman, Feb 4 (Petra) - The World Health Organization and its International Agency for Research on Cancer said in a study they prepared that about four out of every 10 cancer cases worldwide could have been prevented, equivalent to nearly 40% of total cases.

According to the UN News website, the study, issued in conjunction with World Cancer Day on Feb 4 each year, concluded that 37% of all new cancer cases in 2022, more than seven million cases, were linked to avoidable causes.

The study examined 30 causes that could be prevented if addressed, including tobacco, alcohol, high body mass, lack of physical activity, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation, in addition to nine types of cancer-causing infections that were included for the first time.

The results showed that tobacco represents the main factor in cancer prevention worldwide if quit, contributing to 15% of new cancer cases, followed by infections at 10% and alcohol consumption at 3%.
The study revealed disparities in the burden of preventable cancer between the sexes, with the rate standing at 45% among men compared with 30% among women.

Andre Ilbawi, head of the organization’s cancer control team and author of the study, said, "This is the first global analysis to show the extent to which cancer risks result from avoidable causes."

Ilbawi added that studying global patterns helps governments and individuals take effective preventive steps to reduce cases before they occur.

//Petra// AF

04/02/2026 22:20:03