New WHO Report: Seven Million Cancers Could Be Prevented Annually

Wed Feb 04 2026 02:58:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A groundbreaking WHO report reveals that nearly 37% of cancer cases are preventable through lifestyle changes, vaccinations, and environmental improvements.

According to a recent report by WHO scientists, up to seven million cancer cases annually could be avoided through preventable measures such as vaccinations and addressing lifestyle choices. The analysis reveals that 37% of cancers are linked to infections, environmental contaminants, and lifestyle factors. The key contributors identified include smoking, infections, and alcohol consumption, which together account for a significant portion of preventable cancers worldwide. The report highlights a need for tailored interventions across different regions to effectively combat cancer risks, as nearly 40% of cancers can be avoided with appropriate measures.

New WHO Report: Seven Million Cancers Could Be Prevented Annually

A recently released report by World Health Organization (WHO) scientists reveals a startling statistic: approximately seven million cancer cases can potentially be prevented every year. This analysis indicates that nearly 37% of all cancers are attributed to modifiable factors such as infections, lifestyle choices, and environmental pollutants.

Among the preventable cancers are cervical cancers associated with human papilloma virus (HPV), which can be effectively mitigated through vaccination, and numerous tumours linked to tobacco smoke. The researchers assert that addressing these preventable factors presents a significant opportunity to improve the lives of millions.

Key Findings from the Report

In-depth analysis by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated thirty different risk factors contributing to cancer. Notable findings highlight smoking, ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, obesity, physical inactivity, and air pollution as leading contributors to cancer risk.

In their statistical review, investigators focused on data gathered from 2022 and 30 identified risk factors over the past decade across 185 countries. The three predominant causes of over 18 million cancer cases globally are:

Smoking Tobacco: 3.3 million cancers
Infections: 2.3 million cancers
Alcohol Use: 700,000 cancers

Diverse Cancer Risk Patterns

Interestingly, while some cancers are indeed unavoidable due to genetic predispositions or DNA damage accruing with age, nearly four in ten cancers are preventable. The report indicated a notable discrepancy between male and female cancer prevention rates, citing that 45% of cancers in men are preventable compared to 30% in women, primarily due to higher smoking rates in men.

Geographical differences in cancer risk were also stark. In European women, the key preventable cancer causes were identified as smoking, infections, and obesity. In contrast, sub-Saharan Africa sees infections responsible for nearly 80% of preventable cancers among women.

Conclusion and Recommendations

This landmark study emphasizes the necessity for targeted strategies addressing specific cancer risk factors prevalent in different regions. As remarked by Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram and Dr. Andre Ilbawi, enhancing vaccination coverage and implementing smoke-free policies could significantly reduce the global cancer burden. The ultimate goal remains to decrease the percentage of preventable cancers as close to zero as possible.

For more in-depth insights, the full report is available in the journal Nature Medicine.