40% of Global Cancer Cases Are Preventable, Study Finds

Landmark analysis identifies 30 modifiable risk factors that could reduce cancer burden worldwide

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A new study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has found that an estimated 37% of new cancer cases globally in 2022 were likely caused by preventable factors. The analysis looked at 30 modifiable risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, infections, and environmental exposures. The researchers found notable differences in the burden of preventable cancers between men and women, as well as across different regions of the world.

Why it matters

This landmark study underscores the significant potential to reduce the global cancer burden through targeted prevention efforts. Understanding the modifiable risk factors and their regional variations can help inform tailored public health policies and interventions to address the distinct cancer risk profiles of men and women in different parts of the world.

The details

The IARC analysis found that smoking, infections, and alcohol consumption were the top three preventable risk factors for cancer globally, accounting for over 15%, 10%, and 3% of new preventable cases respectively. The most commonly diagnosed types of preventable cancers were lung, stomach, and cervical cancer, linked primarily to smoking, air pollution, H. pylori infections, and HPV infections. Overall, more than 45% of new cancer cases in men were linked to preventable causes, compared to 30% in women. The researchers noted that some key risk factors for women, such as reproductive and hormonal factors, were not captured in this analysis, so the proportion of preventable cancers in women may be underestimated.

  • The analysis looked at data from 2022, the last year for which full data was available.

The players

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

A subdivision of the World Health Organization that conducts research and provides evidence-based recommendations on cancer prevention and control.

Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD

A surgical oncologist, chief of medicine, and Director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John's Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California.

Isabelle Soerjomataram, MD, PhD

Deputy Head of the Cancer Surveillance Unit at the IARC and a lead author of the study.

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What they’re saying

“Cancer can be prevented, and modifiable risk factors are responsible for a large share of the global cancer burden. Tobacco and infection control (notably human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C virus), reduction of alcohol consumption, and policies addressing excess body weight, physical inactivity, and air pollution should be top priorities, tailored to local patterns.”

— Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of the Cancer Surveillance Unit, IARC (Medical News Today)

“This is a very important study for several reasons. Cancer is a global problem and a major cause of mortality, up to 40% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle modification, nutrition, environmental exposure and vaccination and lower socioeconomic countries have a disproportionate increase in preventable cancers.”

— Anton Bilchik, Surgical Oncologist, Providence Saint John's Cancer Institute (Medical News Today)

What’s next

The study authors recommend that countries implement, monitor, and evaluate comprehensive policy packages to address the modifiable risk factors for cancer, supported by improved surveillance systems for cancer and its risk factors.

The takeaway

This study highlights the significant potential to reduce the global cancer burden through targeted prevention efforts focused on addressing modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, infections, alcohol consumption, obesity, and environmental exposures. Tailoring these strategies to the distinct risk profiles of men and women, as well as regional variations, will be crucial for maximizing the impact of cancer prevention initiatives worldwide.