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Cancer Burden Attributable to Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors in Australia
Tenaw Tiruye1,2, Bereket Duko3,4, Laychiluh Mekonnen5
1Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health Research Group, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia.
Cancers
|October 16, 2025
Summary
modifiable risk factors caused over a third of Australian cancer deaths and disability in 2021. Smoking, diet, and alcohol were key contributors, highlighting the need for public health interventions to promote healthy lifestyles.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Understanding modifiable risk factors is key for effective cancer prevention.
- Cancer morbidity and mortality impose a significant burden on public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to modifiable risk factors in Australia.
- To identify the leading modifiable risk factors and cancer types contributing to the burden.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Global Burden of Diseases 2021 study for Australia.
- Quantified cancer deaths and DALYs attributed to behavioral, metabolic, and environmental/occupational risks.
Main Results:
- In 2021, 37.5% of cancer deaths and 37.9% of DALYs in Australia were linked to modifiable risks.
- Smoking was the leading risk factor (12.2% deaths, 13.1% DALYs).
- Dietary risks significantly impacted colorectal cancer; alcohol and drug use heavily affected liver cancer.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of Australia's cancer burden is attributable to modifiable risk factors.
- Targeted interventions addressing smoking, diet, alcohol, and drug use are crucial.
- Multi-disciplinary approaches promoting healthy lifestyles are essential for cancer control.
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