Modifying risk factors saves lives

More than 16,000 cancer deaths annually could be potentially avoided by changing risky habits and behaviour, according to an Australian-first study.

Researchers from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute looked at eight groups of “modifiable” risk factors: tobacco smoking, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, UV exposure, infections (such as hepatitis C and human papillomavirus) and hormonal factors (such as the use of some meno­pausal hormone therapy.)

Head of the institute’s cancer control group, David Whiteman, said the study found the modifiable factors were responsible for 41 per cent of cancer deaths among Australian men and 34 per cent of cancer deaths in women.

“While in many cases cancer is tragically unavoidable, this study highlights what we’ve known for years: cancer isn’t always a matter of genetics or bad luck,” Professor Whiteman said.

“This study shows that in theory, about 16,700 cancer deaths could be prevented each year if people followed accepted guidelines to minimise their exposure to risk factors.”

By far the biggest cause of preventable cancer deaths in Australia was tobacco smoking, accounting for nearly a quarter of the 44,000 cancer deaths in 2013.

Poor diet, being overweight or obese, and infections each caused about 5 per cent of all cancer deaths in the same year.

The cancers responsible for the largest numbers of potentially preventable deaths were lung, bowel, cutaneous (skin) melanoma, liver, and stomach cancers.

“The proportions of potentially preventable cancer deaths are higher among men than women because, on average, men smoke and drink more, spend more time in the sun, and don’t eat as well,” Professor Whiteman said.

He said small improvements would substantially improve the number of people who die prematurely from cancer.

“If you currently smoke, seek advice on how to quit. Limit your intake of red and processed meats and look for opportunities to incorporate extra fruit, vegetables and fibre into your diet.

“Most Australians don’t get enough exercise, so start introducing some simple physical activity into your routine and aim to maintain a healthy bodyweight. Finally, always remember to protect yourself from the sun.”