Humans Cause Far More Cancer Than We Realize
Alarming increases among children and younger adults, plus some ancient history, point to a slew of modifiable risk factors
Cancer has been a scourge throughout human existence. But in modern times, we have brought much more of it upon ourselves. Cancer appears to be far more common today than before the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, for example. And despite notable advances in awareness, prevention and treatment, several types of cancer are actually increasing today. Particularly concerning is an alarming rise of largely preventable cancers among younger adults and even children—clear evidence that we have far more control over this insidious disease than we recognize.
I’ve long wondered why cancer devastates so many lives, and how much of the curse is self-inflicted by our individual and collective actions and inactions. The truth is at once sobering and enlightening.
A deep dive into the research and interviews with experts reveals humanity is directly responsible for nearly half of all cancer cases and deaths — and likely more than that. The true extent of human contribution can’t be pinned down until scientists peel back more of the many layers of cancer risk and gain a better understanding of the myriad causes. Here’s what we…
