Malta's 10-point : prevention code against cancer : a tool for health professionals

Abstract

Most cancers are caused by factors related to lifestyle and environment. In particular, tobacco, chronic infections and diet are involved in a substantial number of new cancers. Tobacco is responsible for about 30% of all cancers throughout the developed world. Chronic infections (such as Hepatitis B viral infection) are responsible for 16% of all cancers worldwide. It has been hypothesised that in developed countries, 30% of all cancers could be prevented by appropriate diet and physical activity, as well as by maintaining a healthy body weight. Other known causes of cancer, such as occupational, genetic and reproductive factors, play a lesser role in the global burden of cancer. Each of these factors account for less than 5% of all cancer cases in the world. Potentially carcinogenic exposures may affect individuals to varying extents. Variation in genetic make-up plays a role in these differences. In most cases, the inherited traits that modify the reaction to cancer-causing exposures are complex, involving the interaction of many genes. [excerpt from the introduction]