Cancer
Care
Risk Factors and Warning Signs
Risk Factors for Cancer
All cancers have causes or risk factors
associated with them. Here are nine major factors that cause
different types of cancer:
- Tobacco*
- Alcohol (especially when combined with tobacco)*
- Diet*
- Some bacterial infections
- Some viral infections
- Sun exposure*
- Occupation (if exposed to radiation, asbestos, silicon, dusts, etc.)*
- Medication (radiation and/or drugs used to treat one cancer can cause later cancers)
- Genetics (related to family history)
*These are all lifestyle risk factors that you can control. Reducing or eliminating unhealthy exposures is the best cancer prevention. If you have a high-risk job or lifestyle, talk with your health care provider for advice on how to make lifestyle changes to improve your health and decrease your chances of developing cancer.
10 Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk
Decrease
sun exposure. When outdoors, use a sunscreen of at least
15 SPF. - Walk, swim, play tennis—be active every day.
- Don’t smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke.
- Eat low-fat, high-fiber foods. They’re tasty and filling.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation.
- Don't turn your nose up at spinach and broccoli. Eat lots of leafy green and cruciferous vegetables.
- Decrease stress. Learn to relax and enjoy life.
- Know the seven warning signs of cancer.
- Follow your health care provider’s recommendations for skin, breast, prostate, and colon cancer screening.
- See your health care provider on a regular basis. Report any unusual symptoms.
Know the Warning Signs for Cancer
| C | hange in bowel or bladder habits |
| A | sore that does not heal |
| U | nusual bleeding or discharge |
| T | hickening or a lump in the breast or elsewhere |
| I | ndigestion or difficulty swallowing |
| O | bvious change in a wart or mole |
| N | agging cough or hoarseness |
| U | nexplained changes in weight |
If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider.
