Global report finds 40% of cancers preventable

bbc.co.uk — February 3, 2026 at 05:01 PM UTC

Nearly 40% of cancers, totaling seven million cases annually, are preventable, according to a new global report. The World Health Organization analysis identified infections, lifestyle choices, and environmental pollutants as key avoidable causes, highlighting smoking, infections like HPV, and alcohol as major contributors. The report, published in Nature Medicine, emphasizes a significant opportunity to reduce the global cancer burden through targeted prevention strategies.

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