Nearly Half of Global Cancer Deaths Are Preventable

[David Baxter PhD]

Nearly Half of Global Cancer Deaths Are Preventable​

by Nancy A. Melville, Medscape.com
August 19, 2022

Nearly half of cancer deaths around the world are linked to preventable risk factors, which are largely behavioral, concludes a first-of-its-kind global report.

It found that the highest contributors are smoking, alcohol, and high body mass index (BMI), but it is the latter that is rather concerning. The highest increases in cancer deaths over the last decade relate to metabolic factors such as obesity, particularly in lower-income countries, the researchers point out.

"Smoking continues to be the leading risk factor for cancer globally," the authors note. The leading cancers involved in risk-attributable deaths globally in 2019 for men and women were tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer, representing 36.9% of all attributable cancer deaths.

The next most common risk-attributed cancers were colorectal, esophageal, and stomach cancer in men, and cervical, colorectal, and breast cancer in women.

"To our knowledge, this study represents the largest effort to date to determine the global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors," say the authors.

"These findings highlight that a substantial proportion of cancer burden globally has potential for prevention through interventions aimed at reducing exposure to known cancer risk factors," they add.

The study was published online in The Lancet.

"Our findings can help policymakers and researchers identify key risk factors that could be targeted in efforts to reduce deaths and ill health from cancer regionally, nationally, and globally," co-author Christopher Murray, MD, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington's School of Medicine in Seattle, commented in a statement.

"The overriding message of this research is clear: a substantial proportion of cancers...is preventable," write Diana Sarfati, MBChB, and Jason Gurney, PhD, of the University of Otago, New Zealand, in an accompanying editorial.

"Action to prevent cancer requires concerted effort within and outside the health sector," they continue. "This action includes specific policies focused on reducing exposure to cancer-causing risk factors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, and access to vaccinations that prevent cancer-causing infections, including hepatitis B and HPV."

"The primary prevention of cancer through eradication or mitigation of modifiable risk factors is our best hope of reducing the future burden of cancer," they conclude.

Novel Project ​

The findings come from an analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) 2019 study, a novel project designed to quantify the cancer burden attributable to a wide array of modifiable risk factors in countries around the world, across factors including age, sex, and over time.

Outcomes including cancer deaths as well as disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were evaluated pertaining to 82 risk–outcome pairs, with 23 cancer types and 34 known risk factors, in the categories of behavioral, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors, based on criteria from the World Cancer Research Fund.

 

[Daniel E.]

Obesity and Cancer | CDC

Being overweight or having obesity increases your risk of getting cancer.

www.cdc.gov

• More than 684,000 obesity-associated cancers occur in the United States each year, including more than 210,000 among men and 470,000 among women.
• Breast cancer after menopause is the most common obesity-associated cancer among women. Colorectal cancer is the most common obesity-associated cancer among men.
• More than 90% of new obesity-related cancers occur in men and women who are 50 years old or older.

Obesity and Cancer Fact Sheet

A fact sheet that summarizes the evidence linking overweight and obesity to the risk of various cancers and discusses how obesity affects cancer survivors.

www.cancer.gov

​

Cancer type (reference)	Compared with people without obesity or overweight, this cancer is
Endometrial (9, 10)	7 times as likely in people with severe obesity* 2–4 times as likely in people with obesity or overweight
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (11)	4.8 times as likely in people with severe obesity 2.4–2.7 times as likely in people with obesity 1.5 times as likely in people with overweight
Gastric cardia (12)	2 times as likely in people with obesity
Liver (13, 14)	2 times as likely in people with obesity or overweight
Kidney (15, 16)	2 times as likely in people with obesity or overweight
Multiple myeloma (17)	1.1–1.2 times as likely in people with obesity or overweight
Meningioma (18)	1.5 times as likely in people with obesity 1.2 times as likely in people with overweight
Pancreatic (19)	1.5 times as likely in people with obesity or overweight
Colorectal (20)	1.3 times as likely in people with obesity
Gallbladder (21, 22)	1.6 times as likely in people with obesity 1.2 times as likely in people with overweight
Breast Postmenopausal (23, 24) Premenopausal** (24, 25)	1.2–1.4 times as likely in people with obesity or overweight 1.2 times as likely for every 5-unit increase in BMI 0.8 times as likely in people with obesity or overweight
Ovarian*** (26, 27)	1.1 times as likely for every 5-unit increase in BMI
Thyroid (28)	1.3 times as likely in people with obesity 1.26 times as likely in people with overweight
BMI = body mass index. *Risk for type I endometrial cancer **Hormone receptor–positive premenopausal breast cancer ***Higher BMI is associated with a slight increase in the risk of ovarian cancer overall, particularly in women who have never used menopausal hormone therapy (26). The association differs by ovarian cancer subtypes, with strongest risk increases observed for rare, non-serous subtypes (27).

 

[Daniel E.]

Young-Onset CRC Facts

It may surprise you, but young-onset colorectal cancer is on the rise. Currently, about 10% of colorectal cancer patients are younger than age 50.

www.ccalliance.org

"By 2030, researchers predict that colorectal cancer will be the leading cause of cancer deaths in people ages 20-49."

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Colorectal Cancer? | CDC

The best way to lower your risk is to get screened regularly.

www.cdc.gov

"The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened for colorectal cancer routinely, beginning at age 45."

"Medical experts often recommend a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to reduce the risk of other chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease and diabetes. This diet also may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer."

"Some studies suggest that people may reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer by increasing physical activity, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco."

 

[Daniel E.]

My husband has an annual CT of his lungs to screen for lung cancer:

Who Should Be Screened for Lung Cancer? | CDC

Screening is recommended only for adults who are at high risk.

www.cdc.gov

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT for people who—

• Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and
• Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, and
• Are between 50 and 80 years old.

A pack-year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.

 

[Daniel E.]

What Is Breast Cancer Screening?

Screening can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Learn about recommended screening tests.

www.cdc.gov

The USPSTF recommends that women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other health care provider about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. Women should weigh the benefits and risks of screening tests when deciding whether to begin getting mammograms before age 50.

 

[Daniel E.]

In the US (with the absence of universal healthcare):

Find a Screening Program Near You | NBCCEDP | CDC

CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women across the United States.

www.cdc.gov

CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to women who have low incomes and are uninsured or underinsured.

Are You Eligible for Free or Low-Cost Screenings?​

You may be eligible for free or low-cost screenings if you meet these qualifications—

• You have no insurance, or your insurance does not cover screening exams.
• Your yearly income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
• You are between 40 and 64 years of age for breast cancer screening.
• You are between 21 and 64 years of age for cervical cancer screening.
• Certain women who are younger or older may qualify for screening services.

 

[Daniel E.]

Common Cancer Sites - Cancer Stat Facts

Cancer Statistical Fact Sheets are summaries of common cancer types developed to provide an overview of frequently-requested cancer statistics including incidence, mortality, survival, stage, prevalence, and lifetime risk.

seer.cancer.gov

Breast, lung and bronchus, prostate, and colorectal cancers account for almost 50% of all new cancer cases in the United States. Lung and bronchus, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers are responsible for nearly 50% of all deaths.

How Many People Are Diagnosed with Cancer Each Year?​

In 2022, roughly 1.9 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States. An estimated 287,850 women and 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, which makes it the most common cancer diagnosis. Prostate cancer is the leading cancer diagnosis among men and the second most common diagnosis overall with 268,490 expected cases. Lung and bronchus cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis with an estimated 236,740 new cases.

The top 12 most common cancer sites, shown below, will account for more than three quarters of all new cancer cases. For more cancer sites, see How Do Cancer Rates Compare?

​

How Many People Die of Cancer Each Year?​

In 2022, an estimated 609,360 people will die of cancer in the United States. Lung and bronchus cancer is responsible for the most deaths with 130,180 people expected to die from this disease. That is nearly three times the 52,580 deaths due to colorectal cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer death. Pancreatic cancer is the third deadliest cancer, causing 49,830 deaths.

The eight deadliest cancer sites, shown below, will account for almost two-thirds of all expected cancer deaths. For more cancer sites, see How Do Cancer Rates Compare?

 

[Daniel E.]

In Ontario, Canada:

Screening for Lung Cancer | Cancer Care Ontario

www.cancercareontario.ca

You may qualify for lung cancer screening if you:

• are 55 to 74 years old, and
• have smoked cigarettes every day for at least 20 years (it does not have to be 20 years in a row, which means there could be times when you did not smoke)

To find out if you may qualify for screening, contact your healthcare provider, or call the participating Ontario Lung Screening Program site hospital closest to you. To find participating hospitals, see Ontario Lung Screening Program Locations.

Ontario Breast Screening Program Locations | Cancer Care Ontario

www.cancercareontario.ca

There are many Ontario Breast Screening Program locations across Ontario.

If you are age 50 to 74 you can:

• call your closest Ontario Breast Screening Program location to make an appointment
• contact your family doctor or nurse practitioner, who can send you for screening

If you are age 30 to 69 and you think you may be at high risk of getting breast cancer, you should visit your family doctor or nurse practitioner. Your family doctor or nurse practitioner can send you for an assessment or for screening based on your family and/or personal history.

 

[Daniel E.]

My CancerIQ

Do you know your risk of cancer? Assess your risk in minutes with My CancerIQ and get your action plan from Cancer Care Ontario https://mycanceriq.ca

www.mycanceriq.ca

 

[Daniel E.]

Vitamin D and Cancer: Myths and Facts

Scientists have looked at the role of vitamin D in cancer for years. We looked at the latest research findings to help you separate myth from fact.

www.webmd.com

Scientists have done a lot of research on the role of vitamin D in colorectal cancer. The results haven’t been totally consistent, but a number of studies found that higher levels of vitamin D are linked with a lower chance of getting the disease.

Clinical trials are still looking into the connection, including how the vitamin affects people who take it along with their treatment for colorectal cancer.

 

[Daniel E.]

Colorectal cancer: Plant-based diet linked to lower risk in men

New evidence from a study in the United States links healthy plant-based diets with a lower risk of colorectal cancer — but only in men.

www.medicalnewstoday.com

A study that appears in BMC Medicine has found that a diet high in healthy plant-based foods — whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables — is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer in men.

Unhealthy plant-based foods — refined grains, fruit juices, and added sugars — had no beneficial effect on cancer risk.

“This American study adds to lots of existing evidence on the benefits of eating a balanced diet high in fruit, vegetables and fiber for both men and women.” – Beth Vincent, health information manager, Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

 

[Daniel E.]

A handful of peanuts, a teaspoon of spices a day may help gut health

Adding a handful of peanuts and a teaspoon of herbs and spices to one's diet could help improve gut health in 4–6 weeks, according to two new studies.

www.medicalnewstoday.com

“Polyphenols are known to promote health in various ways, such as reducing cancer risk or lowering inflammation. It may be that the way in which they work to promote health is through changes in the gut microbiome.”

— Dr. Lona Sandon

 

[Daniel E.]

New Year's Resolutions to Reduce Cancer Risk

6 New Year's Resolutions to Reduce Cancer Risk by Carolyn Vachani, MSN, RN, AOCN, OncoLink.org December 30, 2020 The New Year is a time to reflect on the past year and look toward the upcoming year. This often inspires people to commit to working towards a healthier lifestyle. The...

forum.psychlinks.ca