Study: Nearly Half of Adult Cancer Cases are Preventable with Lifestyle Changes

A study published in July 2024 found that more than 40% of cancer-related deaths in the United States are related to preventable and modifiable risk factors for adults 30 and older. This means that by changing our behaviors we can potentially avoid the harsh effects of cancer. While cancer research continues to advance and bring us closer to a cure, modifying our lifestyle may be one of the biggest things we can do to prevent the disease in the first place.

Dr. Arif Kamal, Chief Patient Officer with the American Cancer Society, said in a CNN article: 

“Cancer grows because of DNA damage or because it has a fuel source. Other things — such as genetics or environmental factors — can also create these biological conditions, but modifiable risks explain a significantly larger share of cancer cases and deaths than any other known factors. Exposure to sunlight can damage DNA and lead to skin cancer, for example, while fat cells produce hormones that can feed certain cancers.”

Here are some of the biggest risk factors you can address to help mitigate your cancer risk. 

Cigarette Smoking

Cigarette smoking remains the main contributor to cancer cases and deaths in both men and women. Among all cancer cases, cigarette smoking and second-hand smoke account for 19.3% of cases and 28.5% of all cancer deaths in the United States. That number is shocking because it means over a quarter of the deaths from cancer in the United States are due to something entirely preventable. 

Despite the devastatingly damaging effects of smoking, quitting now can have incredible benefits to your health and can decrease the cancer mortality rates attached to smoking.  Quitting is challenging, but access to medication and counseling can help. Check out these six tips from Revere Health to help you quit smoking and remember that your healthcare provider can help guide you through the process and find a treatment that works best for you.

General Health Risk Factors

General health risk factors that play into a large proportion of all cancer cases and cancer deaths are excess body weight, alcohol consumption, dietary factors, and physical inactivity. 

These factors contribute to one-fifth of all cancer deaths in men and one-fourth of all cancer deaths in women. This is the second highest proportion of cancer deaths in both sexes, second only to smoking.

The study found that 42% of adults 20 years and older are obese, with 20% of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years also being obese. Only 12% of individuals ages 18 years and older met the recommended vegetable and fruit consumption in 2021. A healthy diet and exercise can be profoundly beneficial for reducing your risk for cancer.

The study also found that in the years 2021 and 2022 54% of adults aged 21 years and older reported alcohol consumption in the past month. Similar to smoking, reducing or completely eliminating alcohol intake can benefit your overall health and reduce your risk for cancer.

UV Radiation Risk Factor

The study found that 4.6% of the total cancer cases in both men and women were from melanoma. However, it is noteworthy that 92.2% of skin melanoma cases were directly attributed to preventable UV radiation exposure. 

Check out this blog for more information regarding UV protection. Basic tips to prevent skin cancer include limiting excessive sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and wearing a good broad-spectrum sunscreen. 

Infections

Carcinogenic (meaning cancer-causing) infections make up 3 to 4% of all cancer cases and deaths. HPV (human papillomavirus) makes up a large portion of those, accounting for 1.8% of total cases and 1.2% of total deaths.

Vaccination for HPV can reduce the cancerous effects of the infection by 90% according to the CDC. Consistent cervical screening for women can also greatly reduce the harmful effects of cancer as it can detect the cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

What can I do to Reduce my Cancer Risk?

In summary, there are a number of things that you can do to remove cancer risk factors from your life. 

Quit smoking

• Seek help with quitting to ensure you have the most success possible. 
• If you are exposed to second-hand smoke, get out of the situation. If you know the person, ask them to stop.

Put healthy things in your body 

• Quit drinking alcohol, or at the very least limit how much you drink. 
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and try to maintain a healthy diet. 

Increase your daily physical activity. 

• Take activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations.
• Participate in community programs.

Be safe in the sun 

• Wear sunscreen when you plan on being outside for a prolonged period of time. 
• Wear protective clothing and try to limit your sun exposure from 10 am-4 pm.

Routine Cancer Screening

Routine screenings are one of the best ways to prevent the onset or spread of cancer. Catching cancer early can greatly improve your outcomes and recovery process. Sometimes, these screenings can detect precancerous cells which can be treated before the cancer and its harmful side effects ever develop.

Some important screenings to receive routinely are mammograms, colonoscopies, and cervical screenings. If you are susceptible to HPV, get the HPV vaccine and maintain your cervical exam schedule to prevent cancer. These tests all vary in many ways, so make sure to discuss with your doctor which tests are relevant to you. 

If you need support or more information in any of these areas, speak with your provider about how you can reduce your cancer risk. Revere Health providers strive to offer the highest quality of care and want to help you prevent future illness.