Which condition is categorized as a preventable disease?

Preventable diseases are conditions that can be significantly reduced or avoided through interventions such as lifestyle changes, vaccinations, or public health measures. Cancer, particularly certain types, is often categorized as a preventable disease because a number of its risk factors are modifiable. These include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and exposure to certain environmental toxins.

By addressing these lifestyle factors through education and prevention strategies, the incidence of many cancers can be decreased. For example, HPV vaccinations can reduce the risk of cervical cancer, while promoting healthy eating and physical activity can help prevent cancers associated with obesity.

In contrast, genetic disorders are typically inherited and not preventable through lifestyle changes. Allergies can sometimes be mitigated but often cannot be completely prevented, as they may result from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Acute respiratory infections can be influenced by various factors, including pathogens and personal health, but are not classified solely as preventable diseases in the same manner that certain cancers are. Overall, the ability to modify risk factors makes cancer a key example of a preventable disease.