Healthy lifestyle may prevent cancer, say experts

Forty percent of cancers could be prevented with adoption of a healthy lifestyle, says a report initiated by researchers from the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) organization.

David Hill, lead author of the report and president of UICC says, “If there was an announcement that somebody had discovered a cure for 40 percent of the world's cancers, there would quite justifiably be huge jubilation.”

“But the fact is that we have, now, the knowledge to prevent 40 percent of cancers. The tragedy is, we're not using it,” he adds.

Nine cancer-causing infections highlighted
According to the report, 21 percent of most cancers like cervical and liver cancer are caused by infections like human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Epstein Barr.

And the good news is that getting immunized against these infections with vaccines like the ones made by GlaxoSmithKline and Merck & Co can go a long way in preventing some types of cancer.

“Policymakers around the world have the opportunity and obligation to use these vaccines to save people's lives and educate their communities toward lifestyle choices and control measures that reduce their risk of cancer,” says Cary Adams, chief executive of UICC.

Also, 25 percent of breast and colon cancer are caused due to physical inactivity, and cancers of the mouth, throat and voice box, breast, bowel, and liver are believed to result from alcohol consumption.

Feb. 4 is ‘World Cancer Day’
World Health Organization (WHO) joins forces with the UICC in promoting awareness against cancer on every World Cancer Day.

And this year, UICC has launched a campaign, ‘Cancer can be prevented too,’ on World Cancer Day to make people aware of the fact that smoking, poor diet, and some infections bring high cancer threats.

“There is a universal fear of cancer. But with the right frame of mind and by taking appropriate action, some cancers can be averted or cured,” informs Dr. Shin Young-Soo, WHO regional director of for the Western Pacific.

The WHO has estimated the number of global cancer deaths to see a rise of 45 percent from 2007 to 2030 and reach 11.5 million by 2030 from the current figure of 7.9 million.

WHO officials said, “Smoking is the single largest preventable cause of cancer. By avoiding this risk factor and encouraging healthy behavior such as regular exercise and eating healthily, people can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.”