Risk Factors Cancer
A cancer risk means you have an increased chance to develop cancer, it does not mean you will get cancer. Cancer risk factors are put into four broad groups. Different types of cancer risk factors can work together to increase the risk of getting cancer.
Lifestyle
or behavioral risk factors are things people do that make it more
likely to develop cancer. Some example of that would be: not wearing
sun screen on a sunny day, smoking, or drinking. People can prevent
getting cancer by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
Hereditary cancer risk factors are altered or changed
genes that are passed from parent to child from generation to generation.
If you know a certain cancer runs in the family, you may want to
speak to a trained genetic counselor, which will be able to see
if you were born with a higher risk of getting cancer.
Environmental
risk factors are linked to the surroundings of where you work or
live. Like, you could be exposed to harmful chemicals at your work
place that is known to cause cancer.
Medical risk factors are certain health conditions that increase
a person’s risk for cancers. If you had a previous illness
where radiation
or chemotherapy
was used, may put you at a higher risk for that illness to return
or to get a different type
of cancer.