Research and Practical Medicine Journal · Sep 20, 2026

Dynamics of population-level characteristics of major cancer risk factors in Russia during the 21st century

By Геннадьевна СЛ, Рыжова НИ, Belitsky GA et al.

The increasing global cancer burden is driven by population aging and growth, as well as by changes in exposure to cancer risk factors. Knowledge of the current population-level characteristics of preventable cancer risk factors and their temporal trends is essential for predicting future cancer incidence and developing effective prevention strategies and public health policies. Purpose of the study . To analyze changes in the population-level characteristics of major cancer risk factors in Russia during the 21 st century and assess their potential impact on future cancer incidence. Materials and methods . A literature search was conducted in NCBI Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases, in accordance with the study objective. Time-based changes in population exposure to major cancer risk factors were analyzed using data from official documents, reports, original studies, meta-analyses, narrative reviews, and systematic reviews. Results . An analysis of the current status and dynamics of key cancer risk factors and their subsequent impact on cancer incidence is conducted. These factors included population aging, air and water pollution, exposure to ultraviolet and ionizing radiation, lifestyle-related factors, and occupational exposure to carcinogens. In Russia, these factors demonstrated pronounced and multidirectional trends during the 21 st century, suggesting a potentially substantial impact on population health. Declines in alcohol consumption and smoking prevalence were observed, whereas the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased markedly. Government measures aimed at reducing the adverse effects of modifiable risk factors on population health are also discussed. Conclusion . The findings demonstrate considerable variability in the population-level characteristics of major cancer risk factors in Russia during the 21 st century. Modifiable risk factors can and should be addressed through a broad range of preventive and regulatory measures, thereby reducing future cancer risk at the population level.

doi.org/10.17709/2410-1893-2026-13-3-7 Open access Populations