All cancers have causes or risk factors associated with them. There are two types of risk factors. The first type are environmental factors. These include exposures in the community or workplace. The second type are those factors determined by a person's lifestyle choices such as smoking and diet.

There are eleven major related factors that cause cancer. This information is taken from the American Cancer Society. They are:
* tobacco,
* tobacco and alcohol,
* diet,
* bacteria,
* sunlight,
* occupation,
* lifestyle and occupation,
* medication (radiation and/or drugs for one cancer can cause later cancers) ,
* genetics (related to family history) ,
* virus, and
* unknown.

Exposure to proven risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will get cancer. Chances of preventing cancer are increased, however, if exposure to risk factors is reduced. Also, there are substances called inhibitors that can interfere with the activity of a carcinogen. Reducing or eliminating unhealthy exposures, and use of these inhibitors is called cancer prevention. Another way to prevent cancer is to have regular medical checkups. If you have a high-risk job or lifestyle, talk with your healthcare provider for advice on how to make simple lifestyle changes. Take safety precautions in order to minimize your risk of developing cancer.

To learn more, call your local chapter of the American Cancer Society, or call (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go