The newly published study in The Lance showed that lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, drinking, and obesity caused nearly half of cancer deaths in 2019. On the other hand, globally, risk factors differ based on environmental and economic conditions. They revealed that cancer deaths could be prevented by controlling risk factors such as tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, and high BMI, attributing 44.4% of global cancer deaths in the year 2019 to a group of risk factors that included behavioral choices. The researchers listed 34 risk factors, out of which smoking, drinking, and obesity took the lead, and smoking alone was responsible for some 33.9% of cancer cases.

The study also concluded that the causes of cancer deaths varied based on the location and socio-demographic index of the countries where patients resided. In lower-income countries, factors such as smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use highly impacted cancer patients life expectancies. Metabolic risks were also significant in South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. These regions all ranked low on the Social Demographic Index.

The study findings pointed to the possibility of preventing a significant number of cancer deaths through controlling behavioral factors and recommended efforts towards supporting early diagnosis and effective treatment.

(Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/cancer-deaths-related-to-behavioural-risk-factors-study-says-101661141861102.html )