Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention
Understanding your risk for cancer can help you make informed choices about screening, prevention and when to talk with a doctor. Broward Health offers guidance, screening resources and cancer care in Broward County.
Know Your Cancer Risk
Cancer can affect anyone, but some factors can increase your risk. Some risk factors cannot be changed, while others may be reduced through healthy habits, recommended screenings and regular medical care.
Risk Factors You Cannot Change
- Age
- Family history and genetics
- Certain inherited conditions
Risk Factors You May Be Able to Reduce
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- Sun exposure
- Diet
- Physical inactivity
- Excess body weight
- Certain environmental exposures
Common Cancer Risk Factors
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), these are the 12 most studied and best understood risk factors linked to a cancer diagnosis.
While some risks—like age and genetics—can’t be avoided, others such as sun exposure and diet are within your control and can help lower your overall risk for certain cancers.
Age
Cancer risk generally increases with age, although cancer can occur at any age.
Learn About Age and Cancer RiskAlcohol
Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of several types of cancer.
Learn About Alcohol and Cancer RiskChronic Inflammation
Long-term inflammation may contribute to changes in cells that increase cancer risk.
Learn About Chronic Inflammation and Cancer RiskDiet
A diet high in processed foods and low in fruits, vegetables and fiber may increase risk for some cancers.
Learn About Diet and Cancer RiskEnvironmental Exposures
Certain chemicals, pollutants and workplace exposures may increase cancer risk.
Learn About Environmental Cancer RisksHormones
Hormone exposure can affect the risk of certain cancers, including some breast and reproductive cancers.
Learn About Hormones and Cancer RiskImmune System Conditions
A weakened immune system can increase the risk of certain cancers.
Learn About Immunosuppression and Cancer RiskInfections
Some infections, including HPV and hepatitis viruses, can increase cancer risk.
Learn About Infections and Cancer RiskObesity
Excess body weight is linked to an increased risk of several cancers.
Learn About Obesity and Cancer RiskRadiation
Repeated or high levels of ionizing radiation can increase cancer risk.
Learn About Radiation and Cancer RiskSun Exposure
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning devices increases skin cancer risk.
Learn About Sun Exposure and Cancer RiskTobacco
Tobacco use is linked to many cancers and remains one of the most preventable cancer risk factors.
Learn About Tobacco and Cancer RiskSteps You Can Take to Lower Your Cancer Risk
While not every cancer can be prevented, healthy habits and recommended screenings can help lower your risk and support early detection.
Focus on the basics: avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, stay active, protect your skin, maintain a healthy weight and keep up with screenings recommended for you. Talk with your doctor about your personal and family history to understand what else may be appropriate for you.
Meet Our Cancer Specialists
Find a DoctorTrusted Cancer Prevention Resources
National Cancer Institute
Find expert-reviewed information about cancer prevention, risk factors and screening from the National Cancer Institute.
Visit the National Cancer InstituteAmerican Cancer Society
Explore guidance on cancer prevention, screening and healthy lifestyle choices from the American Cancer Society.
Visit the American Cancer Society