Experts say almost half of all cancer deaths can likely be avoided.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US, usurped only by heart disease. (In 2020, COVID-19 came third on the list).
Well over 650,000 people die from different types of cancer annually in the US. The surprising thing is that it’s estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that somewhere between 30% and 50% of all cases worldwide could be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle that avoids risk factors associated with cancer. These include things like not smoking, not being exposed to secondhand smoke, not drinking too much alcohol, not being overweight or obese, not eating too much red meat, and getting enough fruits, vegetables, fiber, and calcium. Being extremely physically inactive is also a no-no.
When it comes to the US, researchers from the American Cancer Society estimate the number of avoidable cancer deaths to be even higher at 45%.
Here are the top five most common types of cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the WHO.
Breast Cancer (2.26 million cases)
In the US, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. On a global level however, breast cancer is the number one offender. The good news is that, these days, many people diagnosed with breast cancer go on to survive it. The 5-year survival rate for breast cancer sits somewhere between 80% and 90%. About 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are thought to be caused by genetic mutations, and your breast cancer risk also increases with age, and with how much you weigh.
Lung Cancer (2.21 million cases)
Lung cancer is one of the most avoidable types of cancers around. If you smoke, try to quit. It can do some serious good. The average age someone is diagnosed with lung cancer is about 70, leading to years of compromised living, at best.
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Colon and Rectum Cancer (1.93 million cases)
You may be at risk of developing colorectal cancer if you are over 50, of African American descent, and if you have other risk factors. These include leading a sedentary lifestyle, eating a low-fiber diet, suffering from diabetes, smoking, and other lifestyle and heredity factors.
Prostate Cancer (1.41 million cases)
Prostate cancer is a leading illness for men. The good news is that almost 100% of people diagnosed with localized prostate cancer live. The majority of cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in men over the age of 65, but not all.
Skin Cancer (1.20 million cases)
Skin cancer is largely avoidable if you limit your time in the sun. It’s always a good idea to wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen rigorously. The average age of someone with a skin cancer is about 65 years of age, but many people under the age of 30 are also diagnosed with the disease. It’s one of the most common types of cancer for young women.
Stay healthy and live a long life by limiting your exposure to cancer risk factors. Always consult with your doctor if you think something is wrong. For more information visit Cancer.org.
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