WHO Report: 7 Million Cancers Could Be Prevented Each Year

Wed Feb 04 2026 03:12:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A new report from the World Health Organization highlights that nearly 40% of cancer cases globally are preventable, attributing risks to infections, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.

The World Health Organization has released a groundbreaking report indicating that approximately 7 million cancer cases could be avoided each year through preventive measures. The study reveals that 37% of cancers stem from preventable factors such as infections, lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking, as well as environmental pollutants. By focusing on vaccination, lifestyle adjustments, and pollution reduction, we could significantly decrease cancer incidence worldwide.

Seven million people's cancer could be prevented each year, according to the first global analysis.

A report by WHO scientists estimates that 37% of cancers are caused by infections, lifestyle choices, and environmental pollutants that could be avoided.

This includes cervical cancers caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infections which vaccination can help prevent, as well as a host of tumors caused by tobacco smoke from cigarettes.

The researchers stated their report shows there is a powerful opportunity to transform the lives of millions of people.

While some cancers are inevitable due to DNA damage from aging or inherited genetic risks, Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram emphasized that nearly four in ten cancers can be prevented, stating it is a substantial number.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the WHO, analyzed 30 preventable factors that increase cancer risk, including smoking, UV radiation, obesity, and air pollution, which can activate dormant cancer cells.

The report highlights nine cancer-causing infections, including HPV and hepatitis, which lead to liver cancer. The agency conducted a comprehensive data analysis of cancer cases from 2022 and corresponding risk factors from a decade prior across 185 countries.

The significant contributors to over 18 million cancer cases worldwide were identified as:

3.3 million cancers caused by smoking tobacco

2.3 million cancers caused by infections

700,000 cancers caused by alcohol use

While the data reflects a global overview, it uncovers a stark disparity: 45% of cancers in men are preventable compared to only 30% in women, largely due to higher smoking rates among men.

In Europe, preventable cancers are mainly caused by smoking followed by infections and obesity, while in sub-Saharan Africa, infections account for nearly 80% of preventable cancers among women.

This underscores the necessity for tailored interventions based on regional cancer risks.

Dr. Soerjomataram noted that this groundbreaking study incorporates infectious causes of cancer along with environmental and lifestyle risks, presenting an unparalleled chance to significantly lessen the global cancer burden.

Notably, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and cervical cancer represented nearly half of all preventable cases.

Dr. Andre Ilbawi from WHO described the findings as good news, signifying that effective policies, such as anti-smoking campaigns and HPV vaccination efforts, can indeed make a difference.

Our aim is to drive the percentage of preventable cancers closer to zero.