Tobacco contains over 70 known carcinogens. Beyond lung cancer, smoking contributes to cancers of the upper airways, stomach, urinary tract, and more. The most effective prevention is complete cessation, as even minimal use poses significant risks.
Tobacco is the top cause of cancer worldwide and in France, accounting for the majority of preventable cases. In France alone, it causes over 35,000 cancer deaths annually, primarily lung cancer (about 90% of cases). It's the leading cancer killer in people under 65 and factors into 50-70% of upper aerodigestive tract cancers (nose, mouth, throat, esophagus, etc.).
Risk escalates with cigarettes smoked per day and duration of use, measured in pack-years (e.g., 10 cigarettes daily for 30 years equals 15 pack-years). Starting young amplifies the danger.
All tobacco forms—cigarettes, cigars, pipes, shisha, chewing tobacco—are hazardous. Even secondhand smoke is linked to cancer.
Avoiding tobacco could prevent about 25% of cancer deaths. Quitting earlier maximizes benefits; after 10-15 years, risk nearly returns to non-smoker levels.
Alcohol drives 8% of cancers, making it the next biggest preventable factor after tobacco. Excessive intake is tied to esophageal, stomach, liver, and colorectal cancers, and it amplifies tobacco's effects.
Cancer risk rises with consumption—even one drink daily increases breast cancer odds. Significant risk starts at 10 glasses weekly, aligning with guidelines of no more than two per day, not daily.
Abstinence is essential for alcohol dependence.
Daily habits like diet and exercise influence cancer risk.
Nutrition plays a multifaceted role:
Protective factors include:
Breastfeeding offers protection. These factors overlap with heart disease and possibly Alzheimer's prevention, underscoring nutrition's vital role.
UVA and UVB rays cause most skin cancers (about two-thirds), including melanomas. Simple steps like sunscreen and avoiding peak hours provide strong protection.
Skin melanoma affects 15,000 French people yearly, rising 3% annually (2010-2018). Risk isn't just sunburn:
Both raise cancer risk; glass doesn't fully block them (e.g., in cars). Beyond sunscreen (partial protection):
Essential for children/teens. Fair skin, blond/red hair heightens risk. Many moles or family history warrants dermatologist checks.
Hundreds of common substances are carcinogenic per IARC, contributing to 10-30% of cancers. Key examples:
Others, like low-frequency magnetic fields, are possibly carcinogenic.
About 4% of cancers stem from infections, often transmissible sexually. Vaccines and safe practices help prevent them.
Condoms reduce hepatitis B/HIV spread; HPV transmission can occur via skin contact/oral sex (partial condom protection). Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines are effective (HPV covers 70-90% of cervical cases—screening still needed). Vaccinate boys and girls.
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