12/20/2025
Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, cancer was responsible for nearly 10 million deaths globally in 2020, making prevention and awareness more important than ever. While many people believe cancer is largely driven by genetics or bad luck, experts say the reality is far more complex and often influenced by daily lifestyle and environmental factors.
On December 17, 2025, Dr. Thomas Hemingway, MD, a board-certified physician with over 20 years of clinical experience, shared insights on cancer causation through a public Instagram post. His observations challenged common beliefs and highlighted lesser-discussed contributors that may quietly raise cancer risk over time.
What People Commonly Believe Causes Cancer
Dr. Hemingway pointed out that many people associate cancer mainly with factors such as genetics, family history, ageing, sun exposure, red meat consumption, or simple bad luck. While these elements can influence risk, especially age and inherited mutations, they rarely act alone.
The World Health Organization also notes that most cancers are not caused by a single trigger. Instead, they develop due to a combination of genetic susceptibility and long-term exposure to avoidable risk factors.
WHO-Recognised Causes of Cancer
The WHO estimates that 30 to 50 percent of cancers are preventable by addressing known risks. The organisation identifies several major contributors that account for a significant share of global cancer cases.
To***co use remains the single largest preventable cause of cancer worldwide, linked to cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, bladder, and pancreas. Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of cancers such as breast, liver, colorectal, and oesophageal cancer, even at lower intake levels.
Unhealthy diets, obesity, and physical inactivity play a major role, particularly in colorectal and breast cancers. Environmental factors, including....
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[ Cancer Myths, Cancer Facts, Cancer Causes, Cancer Prevention, Air Pollution ]