Infections and Cancer Risk Certain infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can cause cancer or increase the risk that cancer will form. Some viruses can disrupt signaling that normally keeps cell growth and proliferation in check. Also, some infections weaken the immune system, making the body less able to fight off other cancer-causing infections....Read More

UV Light and Cancer Risk Skin Cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancer—basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas—are highly curable, but can be disfiguring and costly to treat. Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous and causes the most...Read More

Female Hormones and Cancer Risk The following hormonal factors may affect a woman’s cancer risk: Oral Contraceptives. Overall, studies have provided consistent evidence that the risks of breast and cervical cancers are increased in women who use oral contraceptives, whereas the risks of endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal cancers are reduced (1). Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT). For...Read More

Weight There is consistent evidence that higher amounts of body fat are associated with increased risks of a number of cancers. (1) A healthy weight loss program consists of: A reasonable, realistic weight loss goal A reduced calorie, nutritionally-balanced eating plan Regular physical activity A behavior change plan to help you stay on track with...Read More

There is strong evidence that consumption of alcoholic drinks is a cause of cancers of the mouth, pharynx and larynx, oesophagus (squamous cell carcinoma), liver, colorectum, breast (pre- and postmenopause), and stomach. There is also strong evidence that consumption of alcoholic drinks helps protect against kidney cancer. However, this finding is far outweighed by the...Read More

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.(1) Are you curious why the cancer risks of tobacco and smoking are so high? Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals. Some of these chemicals are also found in wood varnish, the insecticide DDT, rat poison, and nail polish remover. The ashes,...Read More

Benefits of Exercise Physical activity may reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon and endometrium (lining of the uterus), and it may also lower a person’s risk of other health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis (bone thinning). Being active may also help to prevent weight...Read More

Eat wholegrains, vegetables, fruit and beans There is strong evidence that eating wholegrains protects against colorectal cancer, and that eating foods containing dietary fiber protects against colorectal cancer and against weight gain, overweight and obesity. Although the evidence for links between individual cancers and consumption of non-starchy vegetables or fruit is limited, the pattern of association and the direction of...Read More