According to a study by the American Cancer Society, four out of ten cancer cases and almost half of cancer deaths in U.S. adults aged 30 and older are associated with modifiable risk factors. In 2019, these factors were linked to over 700,000 new cancer cases and more than 262,000 deaths.
Cigarette smoking alone contributed to nearly 20% of overall cancer cases as well as almost one-third of all cancer deaths (see chart). “Despite considerable declines in smoking prevalence during the past few decades, the number of lung cancer deaths attributable to cigarette smoking in the United States is alarming,” said lead author Dr. Farhad Islami.
Excess body weight, physical inactivity, and poor diet were also among the contributing risk factors cited in the study. “Interventions to help maintain healthy body weight and diet can also substantially reduce the number of cancer cases and deaths in the country,” Islami said.
Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, the senior author of the study, emphasized the significance of proactive wellness in lowering cancer risk, stating: “The findings highlight the ongoing necessity to enhance equal access to preventive healthcare and to raise awareness regarding preventive strategies.”