Cancers in France: one in three deaths attributable to tobacco

Since 2005, the incidence of cancer has decreased in France, according to the last report of the National Cancer Institute (INCa). In 2015, 385,000 people were diagnosed in metropolitan France. About 211,000 men have been affected, mainly by cancer of the prostate, lung and colon-rectum. Among women, 174,000 new cases were detected. Breast cancer remains by far the most common, ahead of colon, rectum and lung cancers.
Last year, 149,500 deaths in mainland France were recorded, including 84,500 men and 65,400 women.

But why are some people going to be affected by these terrible diseases while others will never be worried? To this question, INCa indicates that age and genetic origin are responsible for 60% of cancers. The remaining 40% are related to the environment, food and our way of life.

Tobacco and alcohol

Among these behavioral risk factors, tobacco and alcohol are the main causes. “The first preventable risk factor for cancer, cigarettes are responsible for 47,000 deaths per year, or 30% of cancer mortality,” notes INCa.
With 15,000 deaths per year, alcohol consumption is the second leading cause of preventable cancer.

Nutrition is also singled out. Too much red meat consumption, too fatty or too sweet food, in particular promote the appearance of digestive cancers. “Studies in the United Kingdom estimate that 20 to 25% of cancers are attributable to nutritional factors,” said the experts in their report. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, balanced and healthy could prevent the appearance of these pathologies.

A harmful environment

INCa also cites the environment but points out that its effect on health remains complex to assess and measure. European research projects aim precisely to assess its impact. The first results are expected by 2016.

Strong inequalities in risk of cancer also exist depending on the professional environment. Exposure to asbestos, wood dust or certain types of radiation are recognized causes.