Behavior Kills
We have known for years that behavior impacts health. There has been a linkage between smoking and cancer for decades. A new study shows that unhealthy behaviors, including smoking, are behind many cancers.
We found that 42% of all incident cancer cases and almost one-half of all cancer deaths, representing 659,640 cancer cases and 265,150 deaths, were attributable to evaluated risk factors in the United States in 2014. Cigarette smoking was associated with far more cancer cases and deaths than any other single risk factor, accounting for nearly 20% of all cancer cases and 30% of all cancer deaths, followed by excess body weight. Lung cancer had the highest number of cancer cases or deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors, followed by colorectal cancer.
The proportions of all cancer cases and deaths attributable to smoking, red and processed meat consumption, HCV infection, UV radiation, and HIV infection were higher in men compared with women, reflecting historically higher prevalence of these risk factors in men. In contrast, the proportions were higher in women for excess body weight, alcohol intake, physical inactivity, and HPV infection, largely driven by the high burden of breast, endometrial, and cervical cancers attributable to these risk factors.
Consumer Health
We know that consumer choice and behavior are major factors in health. However, the US continues to pay trillions for “sick care” and Americans suffer from chronic illness in epidemic numbers while overlooking the role of behavior. To borrow from humorist Erma Bombeck, fighting chronic disease while Americans are sold unhealthy behaviors is like shoveling while its still snowing. We will continue to waste money and watch people suffer as long as we do not address social determinants of health. A holistic approach to health is the only way. We believe consumers, when informed, will make the best Lifestyle choices for themselves and their loved ones.
Source: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21440/full
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