Study reveals nearly 40% of cancers may be preventable; doctor explains how everyday habits are raising the risk

Key Points:

• Nearly 40% of cancer cases and about half of cancer-related deaths in adults are linked to preventable lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and chronic stress, according to a study published in Nature Medicine.
• Modern lifestyle habits like prolonged sitting, processed food consumption, irregular sleep, and exposure to pollution contribute to chronic inflammation, which can damage cells over time and increase cancer risk, affecting even younger adults under 50.
• Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of cancer globally, linked to multiple cancer types, and passive smoking also poses significant risks, especially for children and family members.
• Air pollution, particularly in urban India, is emerging as a major cancer risk factor, with tiny pollutant particles causing lung and respiratory diseases over prolonged exposure.
• Early detection through regular screening and awareness of symptoms is crucial for improving cancer treatment outcomes, while adopting simple daily healthy habits from a young age can significantly reduce the overall cancer burden.