Top preventable cancer causes in UK identified in new global analysis

A WHO/IARC analysis of 30 risk factors found about 7.1 million of 18.7 million global cancer cases in 2022 were preventable; UK data show 32.6% of new cases (about 148,000) linked to avoidable risks, with tobacco, excess body fat and ultraviolet radiation as the top causes.

Researchers from the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer analysed 30 factors linked to cancer using data from 185 countries. They estimate about 7.1 million of 18.7 million new cancer cases in 2022 were preventable worldwide. UK figures in the study indicate roughly 32.6% of new cancer cases—more than 148,000—were associated with preventable exposures. The findings were reported alongside discussion of prevention strategies and policy measures. Key findings: - In the UK the leading preventable cause was tobacco smoking, accounting for about 16.2% of new cases, followed by excess body fat at 4.2% and ultraviolet radiation at 3.6%. - Smoking is linked to many cancer types and is the main driver of lung cancer; the study and Cancer Research UK note a large share of lung cancers are considered preventable. - Alcohol was reported as contributing to a portion of cases (about 3.3% nationally) and was a higher-ranked cause among men in the analysis. - Excess body fat was the second-largest preventable cause in the UK; the article notes growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss injections and cites a study that suggested they may have wider effects beyond weight loss. - Ultraviolet exposure from the sun and sunbeds was associated with several thousand UK cases; the WHO has classed sunbeds as hazardous and the article notes proposed UK measures to tighten commercial sunbed rules. Summary: The global analysis published alongside commentary from WHO and IARC leaders highlights that a substantial share of cancers is linked to known, preventable risks and that the pattern of drivers differs by sex and region. The study names tobacco, infections and alcohol among the largest contributors globally, and UK-specific figures point to smoking, excess body fat and ultraviolet radiation as leading causes. National policy actions such as proposed sunbed rules are mentioned, and broader prevention strategies are discussed as part of ongoing public health planning.