Understanding the Causes of Cancer and How to Reduce Your Risk

Cancer is not just one disease. It is a group of diseases that can develop when genetic changes cause cells to grow and divide abnormally. These changes can happen naturally as cells divide, develop because of environmental exposures, or sometimes be inherited from a parent.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent every type of cancer, many known risk factors can be avoided or reduced. Making healthier choices, avoiding tobacco, protecting your skin, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, getting recommended vaccinations, and following appropriate screening recommendations can all help lower your risk.

What Causes Cancer?

Cancer develops through changes in the genes that control how cells grow and function. These changes can accumulate over time.

Some important factors associated with cancer risk include:

1. Tobacco Use

Tobacco is one of the most important preventable causes of cancer. Smoking and other forms of tobacco use are linked to numerous cancers, including cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, stomach, pancreas, and cervix.

Exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase cancer risk.

How to reduce your risk:
If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Avoiding tobacco products and secondhand smoke can substantially reduce your exposure to cancer-causing substances.

2. Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is a known cancer-causing substance. Regular alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of several cancers, including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, colon, and rectum. Risk generally increases as alcohol consumption increases.

How to reduce your risk:
Limiting alcohol consumption—or avoiding alcohol altogether—can help reduce your risk.

3. Excess Body Weight and Physical Inactivity

Having excess body weight and being physically inactive are associated with increased risk for certain cancers. Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active are important parts of cancer prevention.

How to reduce your risk:
Aim for regular physical activity and a balanced eating pattern that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other nutritious foods.

4. Unhealthy Diet

Diet can influence cancer risk, although the relationship between individual foods and cancer is complex. Rather than focusing on a single “cancer-fighting” food, focus on an overall healthy eating pattern.

How to reduce your risk:
Choose a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and other nutrient-rich foods, while limiting highly processed foods and excessive consumption of foods high in added sugars and unhealthy fats.

5. Sun and UV Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a major cause of skin cancer. Excessive exposure can damage DNA in skin cells and contribute to the development of cancer.

How to reduce your risk:

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen when appropriate.
• Seek shade when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Avoid indoor tanning.

6. Certain Infections

Some infections can increase the risk of cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV), for example, is associated with several cancers. Certain forms of hepatitis B and C can also contribute to liver cancer risk.

How to reduce your risk:
Talk with your healthcare professional about recommended vaccinations, including HPV and hepatitis B vaccination when appropriate.

7. Environmental and Workplace Exposures

Some chemicals, pollutants, and other environmental exposures have been associated with cancer. Examples include certain substances found in tobacco smoke, asbestos, and some workplace chemicals.

How to reduce your risk:
Follow workplace safety requirements, use appropriate protective equipment, and follow guidance for handling potentially hazardous substances.

8. Family History and Genetics

Some people inherit genetic changes that increase their risk of developing certain cancers. However, having a family member with cancer does not mean that you will necessarily develop cancer. Only a relatively small proportion of cancers are linked to inherited genetic changes.

What you can do:
Know your family’s cancer history and discuss significant patterns of cancer in your family with your healthcare professional. Depending on your history, genetic counseling or testing may be appropriate.

9. Age

Cancer risk generally increases as people get older because genetic changes can accumulate in cells over time. Age is a risk factor that cannot be changed.

This makes appropriate preventive care and recommended cancer screening especially important as we age.

How Can You Help Prevent Cancer?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, but there are practical steps that can lower your risk.

Don’t Smoke

If you smoke, consider making a plan to quit. Avoiding tobacco is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your cancer risk.

Stay Physically Active

Regular physical activity can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and may lower the risk of several cancers. Find activities you enjoy and make movement part of your everyday routine.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of several cancers. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help support a healthy weight.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Focus on an overall healthy eating pattern rather than relying on individual foods, supplements, or “miracle” products to prevent cancer.

Protect Your Skin

Reduce unnecessary exposure to UV radiation by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen appropriately.

Limit Alcohol

If you drink alcohol, limiting your intake can reduce alcohol-related cancer risk.

Stay Up to Date With Recommended Vaccinations

Vaccines can help prevent infections associated with certain cancers. Talk with your healthcare professional about whether vaccines such as HPV and hepatitis B are appropriate for you.

Follow Recommended Cancer Screening

Some screening tests can detect cancer early, while certain screening approaches can also identify precancerous changes before they develop into cancer. Recommended screening depends on factors such as age, sex, personal history, and individual risk.

Talk with your healthcare provider about which screenings are appropriate for you.

Can Cancer Always Be Prevented?

No.

It is important to understand that healthy choices can reduce cancer risk but cannot eliminate it completely. Cancer can develop because of a combination of genetics, aging, environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and changes that occur naturally as cells divide.

That is why prevention, healthy habits, vaccination when appropriate, and recommended screening all have an important role in maintaining your health.

Take Charge of Your Health

You don’t have to make every change at once.

Start with realistic steps: avoid tobacco, stay active, eat a balanced diet, protect your skin from excessive UV exposure, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, and keep up with recommended preventive healthcare.

If you have questions about your medications, vitamins, supplements, vaccinations, or general health, speak with your healthcare professional or pharmacist.

Your Health Matters to Us

At Doctor Elizabeth Pharmacy, we’re committed to helping our community make informed decisions about their health and medications.

Have questions about your medications, supplements, or preventive health? Talk with our pharmacy team today.

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Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Cancer risk varies from person to person. Talk with your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional about your individual cancer risk, preventive care, vaccinations, and recommended screening.

Sources: National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society.