Preventing Premature Cancer Deaths: The Impact of Gender Inequality and the Call to Action

A global study on 36 types of cancer has found that approximately 70% of premature cancer deaths in 2020 were preventable through primary or secondary intervention, while 30% were treatable with curative treatment. The study highlights the under-recognition of cancer burden in women due to risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and infections. It suggests that 1.5 million premature cancer deaths in women could be prevented each year through the elimination of key risk factors or early detection, and an additional 0.8 million lives could be saved if all women had access to optimal cancer care. The study emphasizes the need for greater understanding of cancer risk factors in women and addresses gender inequalities that hinder women's ability to seek timely diagnosis and quality cancer care.