What are major cancer risk factors?

Heredity and environment are major risk factors in the development of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, specific risk factors within these larger categories include:

• Tobacco use. Research consistently links exposure to tobacco products (through smoking, chewing and second-hand smoke) to certain types of cancer and other potentially fatal diseases. These include lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Marijuana may be even more damaging than tobacco.
• High-fat diet. Scientists believe there is a connection between diets high in certain types of fats and colorectal cancers.
• Obesity. Research indicates that obesity (high body fat levels) increases a person’s likelihood of developing several types of cancer.
• Ultraviolet radiation. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, tanning beds and sunlamps increases the chances of developing several types of skin cancer, including melanoma.
• Alcohol. High alcohol intake, especially with smoking, likely increases the risk for certain cancers.
• Ionizing radiation. Lung cancer and leukemia, among others, may be caused in part by exposure to X-rays and radioactive substances. Certain occupations result in exposure to potentially cancer-causing agents such as asbestos and certain dyes.
• Chemicals, metals, pesticides. Many commonly used pesticides and household cleaning products contain chemicals shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Research points to a link between HRT and breast cancer in women.
• Diethylstilbestrol (DES). DES is a synthetic form of estrogen, a female hormone. It was prescribed between 1938 and 1971 to help women with certain complications of pregnancy. In 1971, DES was linked to an uncommon cancer (called clear cell adenocarcinoma) in a small number of daughters of women who had used DES during pregnancy. The overall risk of an exposed daughter to develop this type of cancer is estimated to be approximately 1/1000 (0.1 percent).
• Close relatives with certain types of cancer. Some types of cancer tend to “run in families,” suggesting a genetically increased risk.
• Infections such as HIV or human papilloma virus (HPV) may be related to certain types of cancers.

Testing for cancer: Why is it important and how is it done?

There are many accurate and effective tests and screening procedures for cancer. Early detection is an important part of survival. Many cancers are treatable, with excellent long-term results, if detected early. The problem is that many people wait to be tested for cancer until they show symptoms, or avoid testing entirely.
Don't wait to feel pain before getting checked for cancer. Many cancers do not cause symptoms in their early (most treatable) stages. Because cancer may not have any early symptoms, screening or testing for some cancers can help. Screening tests are more important as you get older.

Finding cancers early through examination or testing can save lives and reduce suffering. This is why it is important to visit a doctor for physical exams. It is also important to learn how to do self-exams for breast cancer and testicular cancer. Your doctor or nurse can teach you how to do this. Some tests and procedures for discovering cancer include: 

For colorectal cancer: Digital rectal examination (DRE), fecal occult blood test (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Colonoscopy allows your doctor to see the lining of your entire colon. Small (often precancerous) polyps can be removed during the procedure. These tests are recommended for men and women. 

For breast cancer: Self-examination, clinical breast examination and mammography, at regular intervals, as recommended or performed by a physician. 

For cervical, uterine and vaginal cancers: Annual examination by a physician and a Pap Smear. 

For prostate cancer: Digital examination of the prostate by a physician and the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. While important for all men, African Americans in South Carolina are three times more likely than whites to die from prostate cancer. 

For testicular cancer: Self-examination, with follow-up by a physician.


For skin cancers: Regular self-examination.
Some of these procedures are cost-free, most are absolutely pain-free, and all are performed in the privacy of your home or doctor’s office, or on an out-patient basis at your local health care facility. Most health insurance covers the cost of these procedures. In short, there is no reason not to be screened for cancer.
Should any of these procedures and tests point to a possible cancer, your doctor may recommend further testing (X-rays, computerized scans) to gather information about an abnormality. From there, the doctor may recommend a biopsy of the suspected cancer. Doctors surgically (or by needle) remove a small sample of the abnormal cells and examine them under a microscope to determine if they are cancerous.