Nearly Half of U.S. Cancer Deaths Blamed on Unhealthy Behavior

By Mike Stobbe, Medical Writer, Associated Press

A new analysis of cancer trends in the United States found that nearly half of cancer deaths are linked to smoking, poor diet, and other lifestyle related factors.

The findings suggest that approximately forty five percent of cancer deaths and forty two percent of cancer diagnoses can be attributed to modifiable risk factors. These are risks that are largely influenced by behavior rather than genetics.

The study noted that smoking rates in the United States have declined significantly over the past several decades, while obesity rates have increased. These shifts influenced the updated estimates.

The research was conducted by the American Cancer Society using data from 2014 and was published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

The study identified smoking as the leading risk factor, accounting for twenty nine percent of cancer deaths. Excess body weight followed at six and a half percent, and alcohol consumption accounted for approximately four percent.

Researchers examined cancer risks across age groups and genders to better understand how different factors contribute to cancer outcomes nationwide.

Key findings included:

  • Smoking was linked to more than eighty percent of lung cancer cases
  • Excess body weight was associated with sixty percent of uterine cancers and about one third of liver cancers
  • Alcohol intake was associated with a significant percentage of liver, colorectal, and breast cancers
  • Ultraviolet radiation exposure was linked to the vast majority of skin cancer cases

Experts noted that while the study provides valuable insight, it does not fully address how multiple risk factors may interact together in certain cancer cases.

Researchers also explained that outdoor and indoor air pollution were not included due to limitations in available national data.

The findings are expected to inform future decisions about cancer prevention efforts and public health priorities.

Source: American Cancer Society study