Risk Factors Patient Resource Area
Infections and Viruses That Are Linked To Greater Risk of Cancer

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.

Cervical Cancer and Pap Test Information
This CDC from The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) offers acomprehensive overview of cervical cancer risk, discussion of human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer screening.

Helicobacter pylori and Peptic Ulcer Disease
This CDC site overviews information about H Pylori infection, possible long term risk of gastric cancer, recommended treatment, links to other sources and a reference list.

Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer
This NCI supported site offers a thorough discussion of HPV in a question/answer format providing information about cervical cancer screening, links to other sources and references.

U.S. Surgeon General's Family History Initiative
Provides an overview of the Surgeon General's family health initiative and makes available a free download of a program to help individuals complete a pedigree, My Family Health Portrait.

Your Cancer Risk
This site, developed by Harvard is an easy to use, interactive approach to assessing risk for the leading cancer sites, which estimates risk based on reported risk factors and provides customized hints to reducing risk.