GE Healthcare study shows impact of bad habits on cancer rates

GE Healthcare has published a new study that demonstrates the heavy impact that lifestyle choices have on cancer rates worldwide.

According to the GfK Bridgehead study conducted on behalf of GE Healthcare, bad habits and lifestyle choices are contributing approximately $33.9 billion (22.76 billion pounds) annually to costs relating to cancer.

Smoking, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition and physical inactivity have been shown to increase patients' risk of contracting breast, lung and colon cancer, with people in developed nations being particularly susceptible.

GE Healthcare's study also revealed that by reducing these bad habits, global healthcare systems could potentially save $25 billion each year.

Jeff DeMarrais, chief communications officer at GE Healthcare, said: "I am encouraged by the potential savings that could be achieved by all of us just making a few small lifestyle changes and committing to a personal monitoring schedule."

Last month, the company expanded its range of oncology-focused products by acquiring mammography assets from Rayence, a subsidiary of the South Korean X-ray technology manufacturer Vatech.