What is a risk factor?
A risk factor is something that might increase the chance of developing a disease. Some examples of risk factors for cancer include:
- Age
- Race
- Gender
- A family history of certain cancers
- The use of tobacco products
- Certain eating habits
- Obesity
- Exposure to radiation or other cancer-causing agents
- Certain genetic changes
Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases, and each kind of cancer has its own set of risk factors. Some of these risk factors are things you can do something about (such as tobacco use) while others are not (such as age or race). Following are some steps you can take to reduce your risk for various kinds of cancers:
- Avoid using tobacco and inhaling tobacco smoke
- Eat less animal fat
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Limit your sun exposure
- Be active
- Control your weight
What is genetics?
Genetics is a science that investigates the way in which characteristics or traits are passed from parent to child. While some kinds of cancer tend to run in families, cancer also can be attributed to lifestyle factors or environmental factors.
Genetics plays a role in the development of some cancers but not others. Some families have concentrated clusters of cancer - where several people have cancer, or one individual has multiple cancers. In hereditary cancers, several members of an extended family are affected with the same or related types of cancer.
Genetic counseling is recommended for high-risk families considering genetic testing. Counseling includes a review of the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing. Talk to your doctor about whether genetic counseling is appropriate for you or your family.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 2/21/2005…#12184
