“According to our analysis, 44.4 percent of cancer deaths worldwide are attributable to a measured risk factor,” said the study, published in The Lancet and conducted as part of the Global Burden of Disease. The extensive research program is unprecedented in scope and involves thousands of researchers worldwide.
Early diagnosis
Tobacco is by far the most important factor promoting cancer (33.9 percent), followed by alcohol (7.4 percent). The study therefore also places a strong emphasis on prevention, as these risk factors can be greatly reduced or even completely avoided.
“However, a large proportion of cancers cannot be attributed to any particular risk factor, showing that prevention is not enough,” the scientists said. That is why they believe it is important to focus on early diagnosis and effective treatment.