News
Four Out Of Every 10 Cancer Cases Are Preventable – WHO Reveals
A global analysis released this week by the World Health Organisation (WHO) says that up to four in every ten new cancer cases could be prevented through changes in behaviour, stronger policies, and public health action.
The findings, published to coincide with World Cancer Day on February 4, 2026, draw on a Nature Medicine study that analysed data from 185 countries and 36 cancer types.
According to the report, about 37% of the 18.7 million new cancer cases in 2022 were linked to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, infections, and lifestyle exposures.
“The science is clear,” said Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director of Environment, Climate Change and Health. “A large portion of cancers — particularly those related to tobacco, infections and unhealthy environments — are not inevitable. They are preventable.”
Tobacco remains the single largest preventable cause of cancer, accounting for roughly 15% of new cases globally, the report shows. Other major contributors include infectious agents such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and Helicobacter pylori, which together make up about 10% of cases.
“Smoking and infection-associated cancers continue to take an enormous toll,” said Dr Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of WHO.
“Effective prevention is not only possible — it must be prioritised.”
Vaccines, Behaviour Change and Policy Action
One of the starkest examples of preventable disease highlighted in the research is cervical cancer, which is overwhelmingly caused by HPV — a virus for which safe vaccines exist. Similarly, cancers linked to H. pylori infection, which can be treated or prevented through improved sanitation and medical screening, were also prominent.
“We are at a moment where public health interventions — such as HPV vaccination, tobacco control measures, and healthier environmental policies — could save millions of lives,” Dr Weiderpass said.
The WHO analysis also found significant differences in preventable cancer burdens between regions and sexes:
In men, about 45% of cancers were attributable to modifiable factors.
In women, the figure was lower, at around 30%.
Regional estimates varied widely, with areas such as East Asia, Latin America, North Africa and West Asia showing different patterns of preventable risk exposure.
“These differences reflect variation in lifestyles, environmental exposures, and access to preventive care,” said Dr Neira. “This is why tailored, locally relevant strategies are essential.”
Prevention as a Global Priority
The WHO is urging governments and health systems worldwide to scale up proven interventions — from tobacco taxation and public smoking bans to vaccinations and air quality improvements.
“We must shift the focus upstream,” said Dr Neira. “Investing in prevention not only saves lives but reduces long-term health costs and strengthens resilient health systems.”
The WHO study underscores that while cancer remains a major global health challenge, a substantial share of the disease burden — nearly 4 in every 10 cases — could be averted with strategic public health action, political will, and community engagement.
Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of procuring a highly toxic chemical compound, thallium sulphate, allegedly capable of being used for assassinations.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, El-Rufai claimed that information available to opposition political leaders suggested that the office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, had imported approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
The former governor said he had formally written to the ONSA seeking urgent clarification over the alleged transaction, describing the matter as one of grave public concern.
A fire outbreak at the Singer Market in Kano has destroyed properties worth over N5 billion, affecting over 1,000 businesses and leaving seven persons missing.
The market’s Chairman, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, disclosed this to newsmen in kano on Sunday.
Zakari described the incident as one of the worst tragedies in the market’s history, with four residential buildings housing small-scale businesses razed.
Goods, equipment, and valuables were completely burnt, crippling the livelihoods of hundreds of families.
The chairman further revealed that seven persons were declared missing as of the time of filing this report.
Zakari added that investigations were ongoing to determine their whereabouts to confirm whether they were alive or dead.
He said emergency responders and security agencies were working to unravel the cause of the fire.
Zakari described the incident as a tragedy that would never be forgotten in the history of the historic market, stressing the urgent need for support to enable the affected traders to rebuild their businesses.
He, however, commended Gov. Abba Yusuf for visiting the scene while the fire was still raging, stating that the Governor’s swift response demonstrated concern and solidarity with the victims.
Authorities are yet to officially determine the cause of the inferno, as the affected traders continued to salvage what remained of their properties.
Alhaji Isa Abubakar, a shop owner, said he lost goods worth over N200 million, saying, “from God we come, to Him we shall return.
“I am here and it is heartbreaking to see goods worth billions of Naira destroyed by fire.”
Abubakar commended Yusuf for visiting the scene, demonstrating concern and solidarity with the victims.
Musa Ibrahim, a market trader, recounted his experience, saying that he lost goods worth over N340 million in the fire.
“The fire had consumed everything we had,” he said, pointing to the remains of his shop
The Units Chairmen’s Forum of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Ughelli North chapter led by Coach Charles Tuedor held an interactive session with Elders, Leaders, and Stakeholders at the residence of Amb. Thompson O. Akpososo in Afiesere Community on February 14, 2026.
The meeting was marked by a significant donation: Hon Chief George Osikorobia, the first Ughelli North Local Government Council Chairman elected under the PDP platform, donated a party secretariat to the PDP. He urged the units chairmen to continue spreading the party’s message across the LGA.
Party leaders, including Hon Pastor Stephen Kesiena Nomuoja and Hon Daniel Emaye, commended the units chairmen for their unwavering efforts and commitments towards the party’s growth. They urged them to remain steadfast and continue working towards the party’s success.
Hon Dr Olotu Akpodiete JP, the Ughelli North, South, and Udu Federal Constituency House of Reps Aspirant, represented by Hon. Ovo Erhabor thanked the units chairmen for their resilience and assured them that the party will overcome its current challenges. He urged the unit chairmen to sensitize the electorates on the importance of getting their voters’ cards, emphasizing that it is crucial for the party’s success in 2027.
The meeting organizers thanked sponsors, including Hon.Dr.Olotu Akpodiete JP,Hon.Oke Umurhohwo,Pastor Kesiena Nomuoja,Madam Rita Agbah, Hon. Daniel Emaye,Hon. Alex Akporute, Amb. Comrade Kpoharor Emmanuel, Chief Scott Udu, Hon. Karo Akpososo among others
Just in: Ex-Governor of Kaduna alleges NSA imported poisonous chemical
SAD: Seven declared missing as fire destroy goods worth over N5bn in Kano
Akpodiete urges PDP Unit Chairmen to Mobilize Voters for 2027 Victory
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