Your risk for cancer is determined by a number of different factors, some of which are within your control and some of which, like age or genetics, are beyond your control.
If you want to explore these factors in greater depth, The World Cancer Research Fund and the National Cancer Institute at the National Institute of Health are great places to start.
Some of the most common risk factors for cancer are:
Lifestyle factors
-smoking and other kinds of tobacco use, and exposure to second-hand smoke (aka passive smoking);
-excess weight;
-UV radiation from the sun, or artificial sources such as sun lamps or tanning beds;
-any amount of any kind of alcohol consumption;
-an abundance of red meat and any amount of processed meat;
-highly processed foods, such as foods with a long ingredient list and long shelf life;
-a sedentary lifestyle;
-night-shift work (for its association with overweight and obesity).
Exposures to things that cause cancer
-radiation exposure (naturally occurring radiation from radon, or medical radiation such as from X-rays);
-environmental exposures, such as air pollution;
-occupational exposures, such as through pesticides; and
-exposure to a carcinogen, such as Formaldehyde.
Age, family background and medical conditions
Age, family background, and medical conditions can also increase your risk of cancer.
Your risk of cancer naturally increases as you age. A family history of cancer increases your risk of cancer, as does specific genes (such as being born with the gene for Lynch syndrome). Chronic inflammation, infections (such as Hepatitis, HPV, HIV, and H pylori), and a compromised immune system can elevate your cancer risk. Using hormone replacement therapy and hormone-based contraception can increase your risk of certain kinds of cancer.
The American Insitute for Cancer Research (AICR) can help you learn more about the most common types of cancer with an overview summary. You will also find a link to a more detailed report, and a brief list of risk factors for the disease.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IACR), an agency of the World Health Organization, determines whether factors in the environment, compounds, nutrients, occupations, and other exposures are likely to cause cancer. They divide potential cancer-causing exposures into groupings based on the strength of the scientific evidence. For more information, visit the Classifications page on the IACR website or our page on this topic.
Want to assess your risk for cancer?
Have a conversation with your primary care physician or other healthcare provider about your family background, medical history, lifestyle, and current health concerns to assess your risk and to discuss ways to lower your risk. Taking the ACS CancerRisk 360 quiz from the American Cancer Society ahead of time can help you prepare some questions to ask your doctor.
Watch this short video from the National Cancer Institute about cancer risk.
