A global study published this week in The Lancet assesses risk of 34 cancers factors, and found that “modifiable risk factors” accounted for 44.4% of all cancer deaths in 2019 and 42% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYS), defined as disability and premature death, according to the World Health Organization Years lost to death.
The highest global risk factor is primarily behavior, including smoking, followed by alcohol consumption, and then high body mass index (BMI). Risk factors vary by region In contrast, alcohol, unsafe sex, and smoking were the most common risk factors for cancer DALYS in areas with low sociodemographic index (SDI).
Cancer is second only to Heart disease is the second leading cause of death globally, and according to the National Cancer Institute, cases and deaths are expected to increase every year.
“It is clear that we can Do a lot of things to reduce the risk factors for cancer because almost all of the things described here are modifiable,” said Dr. Emanuela Taioli, co-director of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at the Sandisch Cancer Institute in Sinai, who was not involved in the study. Research.
Other risk factors associated with cancer are occupation and environment.
“The main conclusion is that we need to radically change our lives ways, including diet, smoking, drinking, and implementing public health measures to reduce air pollution,” Taioli said.
Lifestyle changes are important
Study found that risk factors attributable to cancer death increased from There was a 20.4% increase in DALYS from 2010 to 2019 and a 16.8% increase in DALYS. Metabolic risk factors increased the most during this period.
“Most DALYs attributable to cancer were Contributed by behavioral risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, unsafe sex, and dietary risk, suggesting the need for a concerted effort to address behavioral risk factors. Risk factors that are effective in reducing the global burden of cancer,” the study authors wrote.
Research suggests that the following lifestyle changes may help reduce your risk:
- do not smoke
- Liquor limit
Excessive drinking Increased risk of six cancers: mouth and throat, larynx, esophagus, colon, and rectum, liver and breasts in women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guidelines recommend that men have no more than Two cups, not more than one cup per day for women.
- Manage Weight
According to the CDC, there is also an association between all cancers with a BMI over 30% and 40%.
According to the Mayo Clinic, eating minimally processed foods and a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help you maintain a healthy diet and reduce your risk.
- Practice Safe Sex
According to this study , unsafe sex accounted for 8.2% of all female cancer DALYS in 2019.
Tobacco use is also associated with several cancers, and smoking is associated with 80 to 90 percent of lung cancers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Interventions on smoking appear to be the most effective measures because it is a risk factor for many different cancer types,” Taioli said.
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