The Two Habits That Raise Cancer Risk—and What the Numbers Really Say

Beginner | February 9, 2026

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Cancer Prevention Habits: Why This Study Got Attention

A new global study found that more than one-third of cancer cases may be preventable—and it highlights how small cancer prevention habits can add up over time. That’s a big deal, because it means daily choices and public health steps can make a real difference. Scientific American reported that the researchers looked at 36 cancers across 185 countries, using global cancer case data from 2022 and exposure data from 2012 to estimate which risks were connected to which cases. (Scientific American)

The Big Picture: 18.7 Million New Cases

The study counted 18.7 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2022. It estimated that about 38%—around 7.1 million cases—were linked to avoidable or controllable causes. In plain English: not all cancer is preventable, but a huge part of it might be reduced with smarter habits and better prevention programs. (Scientific American)

Two Key Cancer Prevention Habits: Smoking and Alcohol

Nature (and Scientific American, which republished the story) highlighted two “modifiable habits” that matter a lot: tobacco smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking was the largest single contributor in the study, linked to about 15% of preventable cases worldwide. Alcohol was smaller than smoking, but it still showed up as a meaningful risk factor. (Nature)

Infections Also Play a Major Role

Even though infections aren’t a “habit,” the study found they were the second biggest contributor overall—about 10% of preventable cases. Scientific American notes that infections such as HPV (human papillomavirus) are strongly linked to cervical cancer, and the infection-related burden is especially heavy in some low- and middle-income regions. (Scientific American)

Not One-Size-Fits-All: Different Risks in Different Places

One point the researchers stressed is that prevention depends on the region and population. Scientific American reports that smoking remained a major risk factor for men globally, while infections played a large role in some regions. The takeaway is simple: good prevention policies need to match local realities—what works in one country might not be the top priority in another. (Scientific American)

A Practical Takeaway (Without Panic)

This article is not saying, “If you do X, you will get cancer.” Cancer risk is complicated. But the study’s message is still hopeful: if societies reduce smoking, help people drink less, and invest in tools like vaccines and screenings, we can lower the future cancer burden. Think of it as a long-term business plan for public health—small cancer prevention habits, repeated consistently, can add up.

Vocabulary

Preventable (adjective) – able to be stopped from happening.
Example: Some cancers may be preventable with better habits and health programs.
Modifiable (adjective) – able to be changed.
Example: Smoking is a modifiable risk factor.
Risk factor (noun) – something that increases the chance of a problem.
Example: Alcohol can be a risk factor for certain cancers.
Contributor (noun) – something that helps cause a result.
Example: Smoking was the biggest contributor in the study.
Estimated (verb) – guessed a number using data and calculation.
Example: Researchers estimated the number of cases linked to each factor.
Exposure (noun) – contact with something over time.
Example: The study used exposure data from 2012.
Burden (noun) – a heavy load; a serious problem.
Example: The cancer burden may grow if current trends continue.
Epidemiologist (noun) – a scientist who studies patterns of disease.
Example: An epidemiologist helped analyze the global data.
Vaccine (noun) – a medical shot that helps prevent a disease.
Example: HPV vaccines can help prevent cervical cancer.
Screening (noun) – a test to find a disease early.
Example: Screening can catch some cancers before they get worse.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What does it mean when a cancer case is “preventable”?
What did the study estimate about the number of preventable cases in 2022?
Why are smoking and alcohol called “modifiable habits”?
Why do infections matter in cancer prevention?
Why does the study say prevention is not “one-size-fits-all”?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

What health habit do you think is hardest to change, and why?
Do you think governments should tax cigarettes and alcohol more? Why or why not?
What’s the best way to help people quit smoking—education, rules, or social support?
How can workplaces support healthier habits without feeling intrusive?
What role should schools play in teaching health and prevention?

Related Idiom

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” — it’s better to prevent a problem than to fix it later.

Example: Quitting smoking is an “ounce of prevention” that can reduce cancer risk over time.

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