Risk Factors of Cancer
A cancer risk means you have an increased chance to develop cancer, it does not mean you will get cancer. Cancer risk factors are put into four broad groups. Different types of cancer risk factors can work together to increase the risk of getting cancer.
Lifestyle or behavioral risk factors are things people do that make it more likely to develop cancer. Some example of that would be: not wearing sun screen on a sunny day, smoking, or drinking. People can prevent getting cancer by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
Hereditary cancer risk factors are altered or changed genes that are passed from parent to child from generation to generation. If you know a certain cancer runs in the family, you may want to speak to a trained genetic counselor, which will be able to see if you were born with a higher risk of getting cancer.
Environmental risk factors are linked to the surroundings of where you work or live. Like, you could be exposed to harmful chemicals at your work place that is known to cause cancer.
Medical risk factors are certain health conditions that increase a person’s risk for cancers. If you had a previous illness where radiation or chemotherapy was used, may put you at a higher risk for that illness to return or to get a different type of cancer.
• Find out about Causes and Prevention of cancer
• More Resources on Cancer topics
• Question and Answers on Cancer
• Learn more about cancer terms
