Four out of ten cancer cases would be avoidable through better prevention
85% confidence
HealthEurope
Omissions
The 40% preventable cancer figure most frequently cited in recent reports refers to global estimates, not Europe specifically
For Europe, a 2022 study published in Cancer Epidemiology found 33% of male cancer cases and 44% of female cancer cases were possibly avoidable
The data used for European estimates is based on 2012 incidence data, not the most recent available
The IARC/WHO global study identifying 40% preventability was published on February 6, 2026, just days before the session date
Sources
PrimaryIARC - International Agency for Research on CancerFour in ten cancer cases could be prevented globally through addressing 30 modifiable risk factors including tobacco, alcohol, obesity, physical inactivity, air pollution, and infections
PrimaryIARC Cancer Prevention EuropeProportions of potentially preventable cancers in Europe based on 2012 incidence data