An article published in Science Translational Medicine in March of 2012 concluded that 1/3 of all cancers were caused by smoking and another 20% from being overweight or obese. However, diet, exercise, sleep, and exposure to environmental toxins likely account for another 30-40% of all cancers. Genetic factors are not that common. The American Cancer Society promotes finding the cure and avoids promoting prevention. This is not much of a surprise when you consider their conflicted position with the pharmaceutical industry.
There will be about 1.5 million new cancers in 2012 and nearly 600,000 deaths. We need real health care reform that is based on wellness and prevention.