Final answer:
At least 40% of fatalities in the USA are attributable to completely preventable behavioral/environmental factors. Making healthier lifestyle choices, like avoiding tobacco and adopting better dietary practices, could significantly reduce these mortality rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
A study conducted on mortality rates in the USA found that at least 40% of fatalities were attributable to entirely behavioral/environmental factors. Most behavioral risk factors for noninfectious diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, can be avoided and are therefore considered preventable. For example, avoiding tobacco use would prevent an estimated 25% of cancer deaths, and healthier dietary choices combined with exercise would prevent another 35% of cancer deaths. These diseases have lifestyle components; therefore, interventions targeting behavioral risk factors can greatly reduce a nation's burden of noninfectious diseases.