The cancerous cells can then crowd out normal cells or invade body tissues.
Most people don’t realize thatcanceris preventable in many cases.
Learning what causes cancer and what the risk factors are is the first step in cancer prevention.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Tobacco use and smoking fall in this category.
There are many other substances in the environment that could put you at risk.
Radiation Exposure
The most common form of radiation exposure is from the sun.
You may also be exposed due to medical imaging or treatment.
Infections
Infections can increase cancer riskin several ways.
Some viral infections directly affect the DNA to produce cancerous changes.
Other infections may lead to long-term inflammation, which raises your risk.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)increases your risk for cervical, anal, vulvar, and vaginal cancer.
Your body also becomes less efficient at finding and destroying cancerous and pre-cancerous cells.
Genetic tests are available for some hereditary cancers.
You only have a greater chance of developing it (a genetic predisposition).
This can be especially empowering for those who are aware of certain predispositions.
Tobacco
Not only does smoking affect the lungs, but it increases the risk of many cancers.
Quitting smoking immediately decreases your risk factor for cancer.
Obesity
Obesity is a leading cause of cancer.
Achieving or maintaining a healthy body weight can reduce your risks.
Processed meats, red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and refined carbohydrates should be limited.
Sun Exposure
Skin cancermay be sparked by excess exposure to UV rays from the sun.
Sunburneven a tanis actually the result of skin damage sparked by the sun.
Many cases of skin cancer can be prevented through a little planning.
Wearing sunscreen can help, but practice safe sun exposure as well.
One form of skin cancermelanomahas a tendency to affect the eyes.
These measures also reduce your risks of other major diseases.
This occurs due to genetic changes, or mutations, in the cells.
Cancer can spread by growing into surrounding tissues.
Such mutations can be passed from generation to generation.
That said, it’s never too late to take measures to lower your risk of cancer.
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