Risk & prevention
A risk factor changes the chance of developing cancer. It is not a guarantee, and people without known risks can still develop cancer.
Do not use tobacco
Avoid smoking and smokeless tobacco. Quitting helps at any age; ask about counseling and approved medicines.
Protect skin
Use shade, protective clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen; avoid indoor tanning.
Vaccination
HPV and hepatitis B vaccination can prevent infections linked to several cancers. Ask a clinician what is recommended.
Healthy patterns
Stay physically active, maintain a healthy weight when possible and emphasize vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Limit alcohol
Less alcohol lowers cancer risk. People who do not drink do not need to start.
Safer exposures
Follow workplace protections and test homes for radon where recommended.
Screening is for people without symptoms
Screening can find some cancers earlier or identify precancerous changes. Recommendations depend on age, sex, health history and risk.
- Breast screening
- Cervical screening
- Colorectal screening
- Lung screening for certain people with a smoking history
Family history
Tell your clinician about cancers on both sides of your family, ages at diagnosis and any genetic test results. Genetic counseling may help when patterns suggest inherited risk.