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Prevention and Detection
The best way to treat cancer is to stop it from starting in the first place. A cancer risk factor is anything that raises or lowers a person's chance of developing cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled, and some cannot. Just because you have one, or even a few, risk factors does not mean you will get cancer. Use the links below to learn more about common risk factors associated with cancer.
Nutrition
Nearly 87% of all lung cancer cases in the U.S. are smoking-related. In 2002 alone, an estimated 154,900 (out of 170,000) Americans will be diagnosed with smoking-related lung cancer.
Chemicals That Are Linked To Greater Risk of Cancer No one knows exactly what causes cancer. Exposure to a certain chemicals may increase the likelihood that cancer will develop. However, just because a person has been exposed to a certain chemical does not mean that person will get cancer. In fact, most people who get cancer do not have any exposure to chemicals. |
Infections and Viruses That Are Linked To Greater Risk of Cancer (includes information on Pap Smears) No one knows exactly what causes cancer. A history of a certain infection may increase the likelihood that cancer will develop. This is called a risk factor. However, just because a person has had an infection does not mean that person will get cancer. In fact, most people who get cancer do not have any exposure to bacteria or viruses.
Radiation and the Risk of Cancer Radiation has been a natural part of Earth's environment since its formation. Our mining and use of these naturally radioactive materials in medicine, power generation, consumer products, and industrial equipment inevitably results in emissions and wastes. No one knows exactly what causes cancer. Exposure to certain types of radiation may increase the likelihood that cancer will develop. Radiation exposure is called a risk factor for cancer. However, just because a person has been exposed to radiation does not mean that person will get cancer. In fact, most people who get cancer do not have any exposure to radiation at all. |