40% of U.S. Adult Cancer Cases and 44% of Deaths Linked to Modifiable Risk Factors: Smoking, Obesity, Alcohol, Red Meat, Fruits and Veggies, UV Radiation, and Viruses

United States of America
40% of U.S. adult cancer cases and 44% of deaths in 2019 were attributed to modifiable risk factors
Alcohol consumption: linked to increased risk of breast, head and neck, esophageal, and colorectal cancers, contributed to about 5% of all cancer cases and 4% of all cancer-related deaths
Cancer-related viruses: modifiable risk factors for cancer, vaccines are available to prevent HPV-related cancers
Excess body weight: significant risk factor for various types of cancers, responsible for approximately 7.6% of all cancer cases in the U.S.
Insufficient fruit and vegetable intake: essential for reducing risk of various types of cancers, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk
Red meat consumption: linked to increased risk of colorectal cancer
Smoking: leading cause of cancer cases and deaths, responsible for 19.3% of all cancer cases and 28.5% of all cancer-related deaths
Ultraviolet radiation exposure: significant risk factor for skin melanoma, protect yourself from the sun by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30
40% of U.S. Adult Cancer Cases and 44% of Deaths Linked to Modifiable Risk Factors: Smoking, Obesity, Alcohol, Red Meat, Fruits and Veggies, UV Radiation, and Viruses

According to recent studies published by the American Cancer Society in their journal, CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, about 40 percent of U.S. adult cancer cases and 44 percent of cancer deaths in 2019 were attributed to modifiable risk factors (Islami et al., 2024; Rebbeck et al., 2024). These risks include smoking, excess body weight, alcohol consumption, red and processed meat consumption, insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, ultraviolet radiation exposure, and cancer-related viruses. Let's delve deeper into these findings.

Smoking remains the leading risk factor for cancer cases and deaths in the United States. In 2019, smoking contributed to 19.3 percent of all cancer cases and 28.5 percent of all cancer-related deaths (Islami et al., 2024).

Excess body weight is another significant risk factor for cancer development. It was responsible for approximately 7.6 percent of all cancer cases in the United States that year (Islami et al., 2024). Obesity, a condition characterized by excessive body weight, is linked to various types of cancers such as breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancer (Rebbeck et al., 2024).

Alcohol consumption is another modifiable risk factor for cancer. In 2019, alcohol contributed to about 5 percent of all cancer cases and 4 percent of all cancer-related deaths in the United States (Islami et al., 2024). Heavy drinkers have a higher risk of developing various types of cancers, including breast, head and neck, esophageal, and colorectal cancers (Ebbert, 2024).

Red meat consumption is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Processed meats like bacon and hot dogs also pose a significant risk due to their high sodium content and preservatives (Islami et al., 2024).

Insufficient fruit and vegetable intake is another modifiable risk factor for cancer development. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of various types of cancers, including breast, endometrial, cervical, and colorectal cancer (Rebbeck et al., 2024).

Ultraviolet radiation exposure is a risk factor for skin melanoma. It's essential to protect yourself from the sun by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 (Islami et al., 2024).

Cancer-related viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, and Epstein-Barr virus, are also modifiable risk factors for cancer. Vaccines are available to prevent HPV-related cancers (Islami et al., 2024).

In conclusion, adopting healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer. Quitting smoking or not starting in the first place, maintaining a healthy body weight, following guidelines for healthy eating, and staying physically active are recommended to reduce cancer risk (Islami et al., 2024; Rebbeck et al., 2024).



Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

99%

  • Unique Points
    • About 40 percent of U.S. adult cancer cases and 44 percent of cancer deaths in 2019 were attributed to modifiable risk factors.
    • Cigarette smoking was the leading risk factor, contributing to 19.3 percent of cancer cases and 28.5 percent of deaths.
    • Excess body weight was a major risk factor, contributing to 7.6 percent of cancer cases.
  • Accuracy
    • ]About 40 percent of U.S. adult cancer cases and 44 percent of cancer deaths in 2019 were attributed to modifiable risk factors.[
    • Alcohol consumption contributed to 5.4 percent of cancer cases.
  • Deception (100%)
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  • Fallacies (100%)
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  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
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99%

  • Unique Points
    • A new study published by the American Cancer Society’s journal, CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians found that of the 1,781,649 million cancer cases in the US in 2019, about 713,340 or four in ten were attributable to modifiable risk factors.
    • Skin melanoma was next with almost 83,000 cases.
    • Many people don’t realize that energy imbalance can cause cancer. A majority of people don’t realize that drinking alcohol, not getting enough exercise, and diet-related factors like not eating enough fiber can raise the risk of cancer.
    • It is recommended to quit smoking or not start in the first place, maintain a healthy body weight, follow guidelines for healthy eating, and stay physically active to reduce cancer risk.
    • Getting vaccinated for hepatitis B and HPV can reduce the odds of developing cancer.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
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  • Bias (100%)
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  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

  • Unique Points
    • 40% of cancer cases (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) and nearly half of cancer deaths in adults 30 and older could be prevented by adopting healthy behaviors.
    • Lifestyle changes can decrease cancer risk, and in some cases, prevent it from developing.
    • Participants with intermediate or ideal cardiovascular health were 33% less likely to develop hypertension, approximately 25% less likely to develop diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, and 14% less likely to die compared to individuals in poor cardiovascular health.
    • Transformative behavior change for a healthy lifestyle is more like treating a chronic condition than a temporary ailment.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article makes several assertions about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle in preventing disease and improving health. These assertions are based on research and studies, which are not fallacies in themselves. However, there is an appeal to authority when the author cites Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, Boston University's Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support her claims. Additionally, there is a dichotomous depiction when the author contrasts healthy behaviors with behavior-impacted diseases and poor health outcomes.
    • ][The study] found that 40% of cancer cases (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) and nearly half of cancer deaths in adults 30 and older could be prevented by adopting healthy behaviors.[[
    • Comparing cancer with illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, Dr. Marcus Plescia told CNN that 'core behavioral risk factors' can make a 'dramatic difference in the rates and outcomes of chronic diseases.'
    • Reports from other medical experts support the American Cancer Society’s findings and extend the application of lifestyle and risk reduction to other diseases.
    • Finally, it’s critical to recognize that a healthy lifestyle also benefits your social, emotional and psychological well-being. According to Penn State University, diet, exercise and stress reduction can have a significant impact on improving one’s mental health.
  • Bias (100%)
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99%

  • Unique Points
    • Nearly half of cancer deaths in the US are associated with preventable risk factors that are not mentioned in other articles
    • Quitting smoking decreases cancer risk and is a unique fact not mentioned in all other articles
    • Bariatric surgery has been shown to decrease cancer risk, which is not a common fact across all articles
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article provides information about preventable risk factors for cancer and the benefits of making lifestyle changes to decrease the risk. The author does not commit any logical fallacies in their assertions. However, there is an appeal to authority when Jon Ebbert's statements are quoted.
    • Smoked tobacco produces about 7,000 chemicals, and when you inhale those chemicals in your body, they cause alterations in cells. And it’s those alterations in cells that can lead to cancer.
    • At every level of alcohol consumption, there is cancer risk, but heavier drinkers have higher cancer risk than lighter drinkers.
    • Excess body weight increases estrogen and insulin, which can increase the rate of cellular division, which can increase the risk for cancer.
  • Bias (100%)
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98%

  • Unique Points
    • A new study found that 4 in 10 cancer cases and almost 44% of cancer-related deaths among US adults are linked to modifiable risk factors.
    • Smoking cigarettes is the leading contributor to cancer cases, accounting for nearly 19% of all cases and almost 29% of all cancer-related deaths.
    • Excess body weight accounts for almost 8% of both cancer cases and deaths.
    • Drinking alcohol contributes to 5% of cancer cases and 4% of cancer-related deaths.
    • UV ray exposure is a risk factor for nearly 5% of all cancer cases.
    • Physical inactivity is linked to about 3% of all cancer cases and deaths.
    • Combination of excess weight, drinking alcohol, being sedentary, and lacking a healthy diet are linked to 17% of cancer deaths.
    • Female breast cancer follows lung cancer as the disease with the most cases associated with elevated risk factors.
    • Skin melanoma is the third leading type of cancer associated with elevated risk factors.
    • Many people don’t realize that drinking alcohol, not getting enough exercise, and diet-related factors like not eating enough fiber can raise cancer risk.
    • Obesity, bad diet, and a lack of exercise are the second leading cause of cancer in the US and will soon become the leading cause.
    • It’s really clear that alcohol is associated with many cancers and that there is probably no safe level of alcohol consumption.
    • Quitting smoking or not starting in the first place, maintaining a healthy body weight, following guidelines for healthy eating, and staying physically active are recommended to reduce cancer risk.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (90%)
    The article does not commit any formal fallacies nor does it contain inflammatory rhetoric. It accurately reports on a study about modifiable risk factors contributing to cancer cases and deaths in the US. The author provides expert commentary on the findings and offers advice for reducing cancer risk based on the study's results. However, there are a few instances of appeals to authority which slightly reduce the score.
    • According to Farhad Islami, MD, PhD, Senior Scientific Director of Cancer Disparity Research at the American Cancer Society...
    • Lead study author Farhad Islami...
    • Oncologist and epidemiologist Otis Brawley at Johns Hopkins University...
    • Professor at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Timothy Rebbeck...
  • Bias (100%)
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    None Found At Time Of Publication