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Your health is my passion
Causes & Risk Factors
Cancer happens when normal cells acquire DNA changes and begin to grow and spread uncontrollably. Most cancers are caused by a **combination** of factors over time—some you can change, some you can’t.
Cause vs. Risk Factor
- Cause: a factor that can directly lead to cancer (e.g., tobacco smoke causing lung cancer).
- Risk factor: something that **increases the chance** of cancer but does not guarantee it (e.g., age, family history).
Key idea You can have risk factors and never get cancer; people without known risks can still develop cancer. Risk is about probability.
Major Categories of Risk
1) Lifestyle & Behaviors
- Tobacco (smoking, secondhand; smokeless)
- Alcohol (dose-dependent risk)
- Diets high in processed/red meat; low fiber
- Obesity & inactivity
- UV exposure (sun, tanning beds)
2) Infections
- HPV (cervix, oropharynx, anus, vulva/vagina, penis)
- HBV/HCV (liver)
- H. pylori (stomach)
- EBV (nasopharynx, some lymphomas)
- HIV (raises risk for certain cancers)
3) Environmental & Workplace
- Asbestos (mesothelioma)
- Radon (lung)
- Diesel exhaust, benzene
- Ionizing radiation
4) Genetic & Family History
- Inherited variants (e.g., BRCA1/2, Lynch)
- Multiple relatives with early-onset cancers
5) Hormonal & Reproductive
- Lifetime estrogen exposure (e.g., early periods, late menopause)
- Certain hormone therapies (risk/benefit varies)
6) Medical & Other
- Chronic inflammation (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease)
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation (small, specific risks)
- Immunosuppression (e.g., transplant medicines)
How Risk Adds Up
- Dose–response: more exposure → higher risk (e.g., cigarettes per day).
- Time matters: long-term exposure raises risk; quitting lowers it over time.
- Interactions: risks can multiply (e.g., alcohol plus smoking for head & neck cancers).
- Susceptibility: inherited variants or certain medical conditions can heighten risk from the same exposure.
Prevention & Risk Reduction
Vaccines
- HPV prevents most cervical and some other HPV-related cancers
- Hepatitis B reduces liver cancer risk
Lifestyle
- Don’t smoke or vape; avoid secondhand smoke
- Limit alcohol; maintain healthy weight; move regularly
- Sun safety: shade, clothing, SPF 30+; avoid tanning beds
- Test homes for radon if recommended locally
Screening
- Follow age- and risk-based screening for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung (high-risk), etc.
- Know your family history; consider genetic counseling if indicated
Remember Screening finds cancer **early** (or pre-cancers) but doesn’t prevent all cancers. Vaccines and risk-reduction steps can prevent some cancers entirely.
This page is for education only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always discuss your personal risks and screening plan with a qualified clinician.
Causes & Risk Factors
Cancer is caused by changes (mutations) in the DNA within cells. These mutations can be inherited, caused by lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, or occur randomly as we age. Some common causes and risk factors include:
Lifestyle Factors:
Tobacco Use – Leading cause of cancer worldwide (especially lung, throat, and mouth cancers).
Alcohol Consumption – Increases the risk of liver, breast, mouth, and esophageal cancers.
Diet & Obesity – Poor diet, obesity, and lack of exercise increase risks for multiple cancer types.
Sun Exposure – Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds causes skin cancer.
Environmental Exposures:
Pollution and Toxins – Such as asbestos, pesticides, and industrial chemicals.
Radiation – Prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays, radon).
Infections:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Linked to cervical, throat, and other cancers.
Hepatitis B/C – Can lead to liver cancer.
H. pylori – Associated with stomach cancer.
Genetic & Biological Factors:
Family History – Some cancers run in families due to inherited gene mutations.
Age – Cancer risk increases with age due to longer exposure to risk factors.
Immune Function – A weakened immune system increases susceptibility.
Supporting you in achieving and maintaining a healthy, balanced life.
I believe that one size does NOT fit all. I take a holistic approach to nutrition using evidence-based integrative and functional medicine. This means helping you feel your best by targeting the root cause of your concerns and supporting you in building maintainable nutrition and lifestyle habits for long-term.
92%
Happiness Rate
My clients report feeling happier more energized after completing their coaching program. health and wellness.
88%
Success in Habit Formation
Clients successfully adopt and sustain healthy habits over the long term, thanks to tailored strategies and consistent support.
82%
Improved Nutrition Knowledge
Clients leave the program with a deeper understanding of nutrition and how to make better food choices.
Why work with me
Choosing me as your health coach means choosing a partner who is dedicated to your success. I stay current with the latest research and trends in nutrition to provide you with evidence-based advice. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and focused on helping you find what works best for you.
