CANCER: WHAT SCIENCE KNOWS SO FAR

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CANCER: WHAT SCIENCE KNOWS SO FAR




 Cancer isn’t just one disease—it’s a group of related conditions that all start with cells growing out of control. After years of research, scientists have learned much about what drives these changes and how people can lower their risk. Experts estimate that somewhere between a third and half of all cancer cases could be prevented if we focused on what we already know about risk factors. Prevention remains one of the most effective—and affordable—ways to tackle cancer (Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene).

How Cancer Starts

Cancer develops when genetic mutations cause normal cells to multiply unchecked. Some risk factors, like aging or inheriting specific genes, are beyond our control. But a large share of cancer risk comes from things we can change, like lifestyle habits and environmental exposures (British Journal of Cancer).

Prevention: What Makes a Difference

  • Tobacco
    Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of cancer globally. Smoking isn’t just linked to lung cancer; it also raises the risk for cancers of the mouth, throat, pancreas, and more. Avoiding tobacco can sharply reduce the likelihood of developing cancer (British Journal of Cancer).

  • Diet and Exercise
    Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with staying physically active, lowers the risk for several types of cancer, including those of the colon and breast. Obesity is tied to at least 13 cancers (American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine; Journal of Lifestyle Medicine).

  • Alcohol
    Cutting back on alcohol is another crucial step, as drinking is a proven risk factor for cancers of the breast, liver, and digestive system (British Journal of Cancer).

  • Sun and UV Exposure
    Limiting time in the sun and steering clear of tanning beds helps prevent skin cancers, including melanoma. Protective clothing, sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours make a difference (Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health).

  • Infections and Vaccines
    Some cancers start with infections. For example, cervical cancer can be caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), and liver cancer can develop after hepatitis B or C infection. Vaccines against these viruses are proven to prevent those cancers (Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene).

  • Screening and Early Detection
    Screening programs—such as those for colon, cervical, and breast cancer—find disease early or catch abnormal cells before they turn cancerous. Broad use of these screening tools impacts cancer rates and survival (Cancer Detection and Prevention).

Turning Knowledge into Action

The more significant challenge isn’t just knowing what works and ensuring people have access to these prevention strategies. Implementation science studies how to get proven measures adopted widely and moderately (The New England Journal of Medicine). Healthy lifestyle changes—like quitting smoking, moving more, eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, and drinking alcohol in moderation—not only lower the risk of getting cancer, but can also help people who’ve already had cancer do better (American Family Physician).

What We Still Don’t Know

Despite tremendous progress, questions remain. For instance, scientists are still studying whether vitamin D supplements help prevent cancer, and current evidence suggests the answer might depend on a person’s starting vitamin D levels (Nutrients). Ongoing research is needed to fill these gaps and discover new ways to prevent cancer.

The Bottom Line

Decades of research show that many cancers can be prevented by addressing key risk factors: tobacco use, diet, physical activity, alcohol, UV exposure, and infections. Broad education, access to screening, and making it easier for people to adopt healthy behaviors are essential to lowering cancer rates worldwide (British Journal of Cancer; Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene).

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