A new study shows that a significant portion of cancer cases worldwide is linked to modifiable risk factors. The results reaffirm the critical role of prevention in reducing the global cancer burden.
Nature Medicine, 3 February 2026 | According to a new analysis, of the total 18.7 million new cancer cases recorded globally in 2022, approximately 7.1 million were attributable to preventable causes, representing 37.8% of all newly diagnosed cases. The study drew on data from 185 countries and included 36 types of cancer.
Tobacco smoking was identified as the most significant preventable cause, accounting for 15.1% of new cancer cases. This was followed by infections (10.2%) and alcohol consumption (3.2%). Other major risk factors included excessive body weight, physical inactivity, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and exposure to workplace hazards.
Nearly half of all preventable cancers were lung, stomach, and cervical cancers. Among men, 45.4% of newly diagnosed cancers were considered preventable, compared with 29.7% among women. For men, the leading factors were smoking, infections, and alcohol, while for women they were infections, smoking, and high body mass index.
The authors emphasise that countries aiming to reduce the number of preventable cancer cases should implement strict anti-smoking measures, regulate alcohol consumption, expand vaccination against infections such as HPV, improve air quality, enhance occupational safety, and promote healthier diets and physical activity.
Summary
The study shows that nearly four in ten new cancer cases worldwide are associated with modifiable risk factors, confirming the substantial potential of primary prevention.
Source
Fink H, Langselius O, Vignat J, et al. Global and regional cancer burden attributable to modifiable risk factors to inform prevention. Nature Medicine, 2026. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04219-7.epdf
