Very few cancers are caused by just one thing. Most appear to be caused by a complex set of many risk factors, but sometimes cancer occurs in people who have no risk factors.
A risk factor is a substance or condition that increases the risk of cancer. Cancer risk factors can play different roles in the onset of cancer and its development. Here are some examples of cancer risk factors and how you can avoid them.
Smoking
Smoking is the most important preventable risk factor for cancer. It causes about 22% of cancer deaths each year. The carcinogenic products contained in cigarette smoke increase the risk of several cancers including cancer of the lung, esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreas, stomach, cervix, etc. And many of these cancers are clearly caused by smoking alone.
The Alcohol
Alcohol is responsible for about 10% of cancer deaths. Alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels, is a risk factor for cancers, in particular, cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum, and breast. The risk increases even more if you are also a heavy smoker.
To prevent these effects, we recommend that you do not consume alcohol on a regular basis, or in excessive quantities.
Exposure to UV radiation
The sun is unfortunately responsible for many skin cancers. Prolonged and unprotected exposures, as well as artificial UV rays, represent important risk factors.
Ionizing radiation
Radon, a radioactive gas present in certain granite basements, is the second risk factor for lung cancer after tobacco. Radiation can also sometimes occur in the case of diagnostic exposures, in particular during radiotherapy.
Being overweight, Obesity, And Physical Inactivity
Changing eating habits is a great way to fight cancer. There is indeed a confirmed link between obesity and cancer: especially cancer of the esophagus, colon, rectum, breast, endometrium, and kidney.
This is why, to prevent this type of cancer, we recommend that you practice 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. We also recommend that you regularly monitor your weight, and limit foods that are too fatty, too salty, and too sweet.
Infections
In industrialized countries, 5% of cancer cases are attributable to infections, and worldwide, no less than 18%. For instance, the papillomavirus (cancer of the cervix), the viruses of hepatitis B and C, and the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (cancer of the stomach) can also trigger cancer occurrence.
Food
Unhealthy diets are responsible for about 30% of cancers in the West, and 20% in developing countries, according to the World Health Organization: too many calories, red meats and cold cuts, fat, salt and sugar, and insufficient fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals are some of the diet risk factors.
Environmental contaminants (air, water, and soil)
Cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, and cancers are influenced by the presence of toxic chemicals in the environment.
Hormonal treatments
Taking certain hormonal treatments is also a cancer risk factor: hormone replacement therapy during menopause, for example, can increase the risk of breast or endometrial cancer in women.
Cancer risk assessment
People often worry about their personal risk of getting cancer. Risk assessment involves looking at information about a person such as their age, health history, family history, and lifestyle and diet choices to determine their risk of cancer. Knowing your risk factors can help you make personal health choices that will reduce your risk of certain cancers. Doctors use a variety of assessment tools to estimate a person’s risk of cancer.
Your doctor may recommend genetic testing and genetic counseling if he or she thinks your risk may be higher than normal due to a familial cancer syndrome or a family history of cancer.
Understanding your cancer risk can also help you decide if you would benefit from: starting a screening program at a younger age or being screened more often than the general population; having surgery or taking medicine to help reduce your risk of cancer.
