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What are the risk factors and causes of cancer?
One of the upbeat messages from cancer research is that most cancer cases are linked to environmental causes and, therefore, can be prevented. By focusing on agents in the environment that cause cancer much can be done to lower cancer risk. Environmental causes include both lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet, as well as exposure to agents in the air and water. Understanding and modifying these environmental risk factors is the first step to cancer prevention.
Risk Factors Associated with Cancer
- Tobacco
- Diet
- Ultraviolet radiation (Sunshine)
- Alcohol
- Ionizing radiation
- Chemicals and other substances
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Close relatives with certain types of cancer
According to recent cancer information and statistics, tobacco use has been estimated to cause up to 30% of all cancers. In countries where tobacco control steps have been successful, such as the United Kingdom, lung cancer rates are decreasing. On the other hand, in developing countries where tobacco use is on the rise, rates are increasing.
Cigarette smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop several types of cancer, including oral cancer, throat cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and cancer of the cervix are also more common. Smoking may also increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Diet is another factor that is associated with many cancers, although its contribution to overall cancer burden is less certain than that for tobacco. Cancer research suggests that low dietary fiber intake and high red meat consumption could be related to cancers such as colon cancer. These associations have yet to be confirmed in clinical prevention trials. Obesity has also been linked with certain types of cancers, including cancers of the colon, breast, endometrium (the lining of the uterus), kidney, and esophagus. Some studies have suggested links between obesity and cancers of the gallbladder, ovaries, and pancreas. (http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/3_70.htm)
Infectious agents contribute to the cancer burden. Human papillomavirus infection is the principle cause of cervical cancer. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections are associated with liver cancer. Helicobacter pylori is associated with gastric cancer. Although still a small contributor to the overall cancer burden, infections remain an important target for cancer prevention through vaccines or antibiotic therapy.
Sun exposure is a leading contributor to skin cancer and a major contributor to the observed worldwide increases in rates of melanoma.
Although occupational exposures to carcinogens are a small contributor to the overall cancer burden, they are important for those workers who are at-risk through such exposure. These exposures can be controlled and some occupational cancers prevented.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and does not serve as a replacement for care provided by your own personal health care team. This website does not render or provide medical advice, and no individual should make any medical decisions or change their health behavior based on information provided here. All pertinent content provided on this website should be discussed with your personal physician to evaluate whether it has any relevance to or impact on your specific condition. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.
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