Health

Nearly four in ten cancer cases worldwide – approximately 7.1 million diagnoses in 2022 alone – could be prevented by addressing known risk factors, according to a groundbreaking global analysis released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The study, published ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4th, identifies 30 preventable causes, ranging from well-established factors like tobacco and alcohol use to emerging understandings of the role of cancer-causing infections.

This comprehensive assessment marks a significant step forward in cancer prevention efforts, highlighting the enormous potential to reduce the global burden of the disease. Researchers examined data from 185 countries and 36 different cancer types, revealing that a substantial proportion of cases are linked to modifiable behaviors and environmental exposures. The findings underscore the urgent demand for targeted prevention strategies and coordinated action across multiple sectors.

Tobacco emerged as the leading preventable cause of cancer globally, responsible for 15% of all new cases. Infections account for 10%, and alcohol consumption contributes to 3%. Specifically, lung, stomach, and cervical cancers account for nearly half of all preventable cancer cases in both men and women worldwide. Lung cancer is strongly linked to smoking and air pollution, stomach cancer to Helicobacter pylori infection, and cervical cancer overwhelmingly to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

“This represents the first global analysis to show how much cancer risk comes from causes One can prevent,” said Dr. André Ilbawi, WHO Team Lead for Cancer Control, and author of the study. “By examining patterns across countries and population groups, we can provide governments and individuals with more specific information to support prevent many cancer cases before they start.”

Disparities in Preventable Cancer Rates

The burden of preventable cancer varies significantly between genders and regions. The analysis revealed that preventable cancers account for 45% of new cases in men, compared to 30% in women. Among men, smoking is the dominant preventable risk factor, accounting for an estimated 23% of all new cancer cases, followed by infections (9%) and alcohol (4%). For women, infections represent a larger proportion of preventable cases (11%), followed by smoking (6%) and high body mass index (3%).

Regional differences are too pronounced. Preventable cancers ranged from 24% in North Africa and West Asia to 38% in sub-Saharan Africa among women. Among men, the highest burden was observed in East Asia at 57%, while the lowest was in Latin America and the Caribbean at 28%. These variations reflect differing levels of exposure to risk factors, as well as disparities in socioeconomic development, national prevention policies, and healthcare access.

A Multifaceted Approach to Prevention

Addressing these preventable risk factors requires a comprehensive and context-specific approach. The study emphasizes the importance of strong tobacco control measures, effective alcohol regulation, and widespread vaccination against cancer-causing infections like HPV and hepatitis B. Improving air quality, creating safer workplaces, and promoting healthier food environments and increased physical activity are also crucial components of a successful prevention strategy.

“This landmark study is a comprehensive assessment of preventable cancer worldwide, incorporating for the first time infectious causes of cancer alongside behavioural, environmental, and occupational risks,” said Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of the IARC Cancer Surveillance Unit and senior author of the study. “Addressing these preventable causes represents one of the most powerful opportunities to reduce the global cancer burden.”

Coordinated action across sectors – including health, education, energy, transport, and labor – is essential to prevent millions of families from experiencing the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis. Investing in prevention not only reduces cancer incidence but also lowers long-term healthcare costs and improves overall population health and well-being.

Looking Ahead

The findings from this analysis provide a critical foundation for developing and implementing targeted cancer prevention programs worldwide. Continued research is needed to refine our understanding of the complex interplay between risk factors and cancer development, and to identify innovative strategies for reducing the global cancer burden. The WHO and IARC remain committed to strengthening cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care globally through technical guidance, standard-setting, and support for national governments.

What are your thoughts on these findings? Share your comments below, and help spread awareness about the importance of cancer prevention.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about health and medicine and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

For many families, the experience of food allergies feels like an inherited trait. Now, a new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center is shedding light on the genetic underpinnings of these reactions, offering hope for more precise diagnoses and treatments. Researchers have discovered that advanced DNA testing can pinpoint genetic causes in nearly 40% of individuals with multiple food allergies, a significant step forward in understanding this growing public health concern.

Food allergies are a widespread issue, affecting an estimated 33 million Americans and contributing to approximately 3.4 million emergency room visits annually due to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Despite the prevalence of these allergies, effective treatment options remain limited. This new research, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, suggests that a deeper dive into a person’s genetic makeup could change that.

The study focused on patients evaluated at the Food Allergy Center at Children’s Health by J. Andrew “Drew” Bird, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern, and Director of the Center. These patients all had confirmed allergies to two or more foods – a group considered to have a higher inherited risk compared to those with a single food allergy. Using whole exome sequencing, a technique that analyzes the protein-coding regions of genes, researchers examined the DNA of 56 patients and their family members when available.

“This research shows that advanced DNA testing can uncover clear genetic causes in nearly 4 out of 10 people with multiple food allergies,” said Jeffrey A. SoRelle, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics at UT Southwestern, and the study’s corresponding author. The findings revealed that nearly 40% of participants carried a rare loss-of-function mutation in a gene known to increase allergy risk.

The Role of the FLG Gene

A significant portion of the identified mutations involved the FLG gene, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s protective barrier. When this barrier is compromised, allergens can more easily penetrate the body and trigger an immune response. The study demonstrated that comprehensive genetic testing identified 58% more FLG mutations than traditional genotyping methods, particularly in patients of non-European ancestry, who are often underrepresented in genetic studies. This suggests that older genetic tests may have missed key variants in diverse populations.

Linking Immunity and Food Allergies

Beyond the FLG gene, researchers also identified rare mutations in other immune-related genes, including one involved in viral sensing. This discovery hints at a potential connection between food allergy risk and the immune system’s response to infections. This supports the long-held hypothesis that early exposure to infections can influence immune system development and potentially reduce allergy risk.

Dr. SoRelle emphasized the importance of expanding genetic sequencing in the field of food allergy research and clinical trials. “This study shows that we should be doing more sequencing in the field of food allergy, including for clinical trials and in research centers,” he stated.

Future Directions with SPARC

The UT Southwestern team plans to build on this research through the Sequencing Populations to Accelerate Research and Care (SPARC) program, launched in 2025. This initiative will investigate how specific genetic variants influence the progression of food allergies and how individuals respond to different treatments. The ultimate goal is to move towards a more personalized approach to food allergy care, tailored to the underlying biology of each patient.

Other UT Southwestern researchers who contributed to the study included Anas M. Khanshour, Ph.D., Cynthia Haddad, M.D., Melissa Zamudio, Amy Arneson, RN, B.S.N., and Dr. Bird. Dr. Bird has disclosed past consulting roles with several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including Allakos, DBV Technologies, and Novartis, and has received research funding from organizations like the National Institutes of Health and Food Allergy Research &amp. Education (FARE). Dr. SoRelle has financial relationships with Cereus Diagnostics Inc. And ENU Medicines and has received research grant support from the National Institutes of Health.

UT Southwestern Medical Center remains at the forefront of biomedical research, integrating cutting-edge science with exceptional patient care. With a history of groundbreaking discoveries – including six Nobel Prizes awarded to its faculty – the institution is dedicated to translating research into innovative treatments for a wide range of conditions.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

What are your thoughts on the potential for genetic testing to improve food allergy diagnosis and treatment? Share your comments below, and help us spread awareness about this important research.