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).