Cancer Risk

Many people believe that cancer is a preventable disease. This belief is premised on the fact that several cancer risk factors are mainly lifestyle or environmental-related. Alcohol for example is an avoidable risk that is associated with esophageal, oral and breast cancer. Regular exercise can help in the prevention of this disease. Physical inactivity can lead to increased risk of colon and breast cancer. Tobacco smoking and prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers are other risk factors. Tobacco smoking has been associated with lung cancer.

Obesity increases the risk of developing cancer and therefore dietary practices that could lead to obesity should be avoided at all costs. Radon gas which is a source of ionizing radiation and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation or UV are other cancer risk factors. Non-ionizing radio frequency radiation from devices such as mobile phones and other sources have been suggested to cause cancer but there is very little evidence to support this claim. Cancer can also be as a result of viral or bacterial infection.

Unprotected sex is also another risk factor and can lead to transmission of the human papilloma virus which is responsible for cervical cancer in women. This can be prevented by use of condoms during a sexual encounter. Another preventive measure is to avoid the use of exogenous hormones.

Continuous daily use of tamoxifen reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.
Genetic testing for high-risk individuals is also available as a preventive option. Prophylactic vaccines and therapeutic vaccines are still in development and will be used to reduce cancer risk by boosting the immune system to fight the disease.