Risk Factors & Prevention
We’re reducing cancer risk in South Florida through prevention and screenings. Helping you live your healthiest life starts with regular check ups.
Call to Schedule
954-759-7500
Are You at Risk for Cancer?
Cancer can affect anyone at any time, but some people are at a higher risk due to factors both within and beyond their control.
- Uncontrollable Risk Factors: Age, family history/genetics, gender, race and chronic inflammation
- Controllable Risk Factors: Sunlight, diet, alcohol, tobacco and radiation
Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce your overall risk of cancer.
At Broward Health, our skilled cancer experts are helping to reduce the risk of cancer in South Florida through prevention and recommended screenings to help you live your healthiest life.
Learn About the Cancers We Treat at Broward Health
Risk Factors
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), these are the 12 most studied and best understood risks tied to a cancer diagnosis. While some of these factors are not preventable, like aging and your genetics, others such as sun exposure or diet are fully in your control, and can lower your overall risk for certain cancers.
Age
The median age for getting a cancer diagnosis in the United States is 66. Learn more about the connection between advancing age and cancer risk.
Aging and CancerAlcohol
Drinking alcohol is one of the highest factors impacting your chances of developing cancer. See what the NCI says about alcohol and cancer.
Alcohol and CancerChronic Inflammation
Inflammation, or swelling, occurs during the body’s healing process. When it continues with no sign of infection or injury, it can lead to an increased risk for cancer.
Inflammation and CancerDiet
Changes in your eating habits – eating less processed foods, cutting back sugar -and avoiding cancer-causing additives – can impact your risk levels.
Cancer and FoodsEnvironment
Being around or breathing in certain chemicals and substances increases your risks for cancer. See what the NCI has to say about these known human carcinogens.
Environmental CarcinogensHormones
Estrogen, the sex hormone tied most closely to women’s reproductive health, can lead to an increased risk for cancer.
Estrogen and Cancer RisksImmune System Issues
People who have taken immunosuppressants for transplants or have weakened or compromised immune systems have a higher risk for developing cancer.
ImmunosuppressionInfections
Having an infection, whether from virus, parasite or bacteria, can lead to an increased risk for cancer. The right vaccines can help reduce the risk.
Cancer Risks from InfectionsObesity
Carrying too much weight for your body leads to an increased risk for breast, colorectal, throat and other cancers. Losing weight can help lower that risk.
Obesity and CancerRadiation
Spending time around high-energy, or ionizing radiation, including radon and X-rays, increases your risks for cancer due to long-term exposure damaging DNA.
Radiation RisksSunlight
Welcome to the Sunshine State! Protecting yourself from too much UV ray exposure is the best way to prevent skin cancer.
Stop Skin CancerTobacco
Tobacco is the leading cause of cancer diagnoses and death, even smokeless tobacco increases risk for certain cancers.
Tobacco and CancerTesting & Diagnosis
At Broward Health, we use advanced and innovative diagnostic tests and tools, including biopsies, endoscopy and genetic screening, to give you peace of mind.
Helping You Prevent Cancer
Medically speaking, cancer prevention doesn’t stop cancer occurring – genetic mutations can cause cancer at any time – but it can reduce the likelihood of it impacting you in the first place. At Broward Health, we put our expertise and resources to work, helping our community in South Florida live their happiest and healthiest lives possible. That includes helping you eat right, stay active and make healthy lifestyle choices.
Our cancer prevention experts are always working for you, whether you’re dealing with symptoms and want peace of mind or staying on top of your age-appropriate screenings. At Broward Health, we never stop working for a better, healthier future for all of us.
Leading Prevention Resources
Physician Data Query from NCI
Physician Data Query® (PDQ), the NCI’s expert-reviewed cancer database, is updated regularly for patients and caregivers to stay on top of changes in cancer prevention.
Visit Physician Data QueryAmerican Cancer Society
You can’t stop cancer from happening, but becoming familiar with and adhering to the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) resources on cancer causes and lowering your risk can help.
American Cancer Society