Dario Trapani, Medical Oncologist at European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Researcher at Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology at University of Milan, shared a post by Oliver Langselius on LinkedIn, adding:
“A groundbreaking new study published in The Lancet. Global Health gives us a sobering number: #48% of cancer deaths globally could be avoided!
The IARC – International Agency for Research on Cancer/World Health Organization researchers analyzed the impact of prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, revealing that out of 9.3 million expected deaths, about 4.5 million are avoidable.
The key points of the research:
- Primary Prevention (3.1 million lives):
– Acting on modifiable risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, obesity, infections (e.g. HPV) and UV radiation is the most powerful weapon we have. - Diagnosis and Treatment (1.4 million lives): Improved screening and timely access to effective treatments would make a difference especially for breast, colorectal and prostate cancers.
- Global Inequalities: The burden of avoidable mortality is disproportionately high in countries with low and medium development index (HDI). – In these areas, cancers such as cervical cancer remain a priority challenge.
This study refines a powerful ‘call to action’ for decision-makers: investing in prevention and equitable access to care is not only an ethical duty, but the most effective strategy to reduce global cancer mortality.”
Oliver Langselius: How Many Cancer Deaths Are Avoidable Globally?
Other articles featuring Dario Trapani.