Cancer can develop at different stages of life and may result from a combination of genetic, environmental, infectious and lifestyle-related factors, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Muibat, has said.
In an awareness message, Dr Muibat explained that while some cancers have inherited genetic components, many are sporadic, meaning they occur without an obvious family history.
She said cancer risk could begin from the earliest stages of life, including during pregnancy, when exposure to certain harmful agents may affect developing cells.
According to her, exposure to mutational or cancer-causing agents can occur both before and after birth. These include certain forms of radiation, chemicals, some medications and environmental or occupational exposures.
However, she stressed that identifying the exact cause of cancer in an individual is often difficult because cancer generally results from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors.
The World Health Organization (WHO) similarly identifies tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, certain infections, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation and occupational exposure to carcinogens among major cancer risk factors. (World Health Organization)
Tobacco, Alcohol and Lifestyle
Dr Muibat identified smoking, including passive exposure to tobacco smoke, alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyles as important factors that can increase cancer risk.
WHO estimates that around 37 per cent of new cancer cases globally in 2022—about 7.1 million cases—were linked to preventable causes. Tobacco was the leading preventable cause, followed by cancer-causing infections and alcohol. (World Health Organization)
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco can therefore contribute significantly to cancer prevention.
WHO recommends avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption and reducing exposure to ultraviolet and unnecessary ionising radiation. (World Health Organization)
HPV and Other Infections
Dr Muibat also highlighted infections as another important cancer risk factor, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV).
Certain types of HPV are strongly associated with cervical cancer, while other cancer-causing infections include hepatitis B and C viruses and Helicobacter pylori.
WHO says cancer-causing infections are responsible for a significant proportion of cancers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Vaccines against HPV and hepatitis B can help prevent some of these cancers. (WHO | Regional Office for Africa)
What About Microplastics?
Dr Muibat also raised concerns about exposure to chemicals and microplastics found in some commonly used plastics.
Scientific research into the relationship between microplastics and cancer is still developing. Importantly, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) currently says there is insufficient evidence to establish that exposure to micro- and nanoplastics causes cancer in humans. However, laboratory studies have identified biological mechanisms that warrant continued research. (IARC Monographs)
This means microplastics should be regarded as an emerging area of scientific concern rather than an established human carcinogen.
Prevention Through Early Detection
Dr Muibat divided cancer prevention into three broad levels: primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.
Primary prevention involves reducing exposure to known risk factors before cancer develops.
This includes avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, reducing exposure to carcinogens and radiation, and taking recommended vaccines such as HPV and hepatitis B vaccines.
WHO estimates that between 30 and 50 per cent of cancers can currently be prevented through evidence-based prevention strategies.
Secondary prevention involves screening and early detection.
Dr Muibat urged people to take cancer screening seriously, particularly where screening is recommended for their age and risk profile.
She cited cervical cancer screening, breast cancer assessment and other appropriate investigations as important tools for detecting cancer or precancerous changes before symptoms become advanced.
For cervical cancer, WHO recommends HPV-based screening because it can identify high-risk HPV infection and precancerous changes that can be treated before they develop into invasive cancer.
Screening recommendations vary according to age, sex, personal risk and national guidelines. People should therefore discuss the appropriate screening schedule with qualified healthcare professionals rather than relying on a single test or age threshold.
Early Diagnosis Can Save Lives
At the tertiary level, prevention focuses on people who have already been diagnosed with cancer.
Dr Muibat said early recognition and appropriate treatment can reduce complications, morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
WHO also notes that many cancers have a high chance of cure when detected early and treated effectively. (WHO | Regional Office for Africa)
She therefore encouraged people not to ignore persistent or unusual symptoms and to seek medical evaluation when necessary.
The message, she said, is ultimately about improving health education and encouraging people to take practical steps to reduce their cancer risk.
Cancer cannot always be prevented, particularly when genetic or unavoidable factors are involved. But evidence shows that a substantial proportion of cancers can be prevented by reducing exposure to known risk factors, getting recommended vaccinations, maintaining healthy lifestyles and participating in appropriate screening programmes.
As WHO puts it, prevention remains one of the most effective long-term strategies for reducing the global cancer burden. (World Health Organization)
