4 in 10 U.S. cancer cases linked to smoking, other modifiable risks

Risk factors identified included smoking cigarettes, secondhand smoke, excess body weight, alcohol consumption, consumption of red and processed meat, low fruit and vegetable consumption, ultraviolet radiation and infection with cancer-related viruses.

An estimated 40 percent of incident cancer cases and 44 percent of deaths were attributed to modifiable risk factors. Cigarette smoking was the leading risk factor, contributing to 19.3 percent of cancer cases and 28.5 percent of deaths. Excess body weight was also a major risk factor, contributing to 7.6 percent of cancer cases. Other leading risk factors for cancer cases included alcohol consumption (5.4 percent), UV radiation exposure (4.6 percent) and physical inactivity (3.1 percent).

The researchers also looked at the relationship between some types of cancer and risk factors. Lung cancer had the most cases and deaths that could be attributed to risk factors in both men and women. Skin melanoma, colorectal cancer and urinary bladder cancer also had a high proportion of cases attributable to risk factors.

“Large numbers of cancer cases and deaths in the United States are attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors, underscoring the potential to substantially reduce the cancer burden through broad and equitable implementation of preventive initiatives,” the researchers write.

This article is part of The Post’s “Big Number” series, which takes a brief look at the statistical aspect of health issues. Additional information and relevant research are available through the hyperlinks.