{"id":16444,"date":"2022-09-28T15:00:13","date_gmt":"2022-09-28T20:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=16444"},"modified":"2026-04-16T16:15:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T21:15:09","slug":"eight-general-cancer-risks-factors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/eight-general-cancer-risks-factors\/","title":{"rendered":"8 general cancer risks factors \u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

The basic explanation of cancer is when abnormal or damaged cells divide uncontrollably and destroy healthy cells. When the cancer cells are caught early, they can be removed or treated before spreading throughout the body.<\/p>\n

Our chances of developing cancer center on different types of risk factors \u2013 each involving the health and replication of our cells.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you look at what causes cancer, it seems always to circle back to an over-arching cause or factor,\u201d said Jomel Labayog, MD,<\/a> hematologist and medical oncologist with OSF HealthCare. \u201cSome factors are beyond our control, and others can take years before the cells malfunction.\u201d<\/p>\n

Major risk factors for cancer:<\/h2>\n

Old age<\/strong>
\n\"Common<\/a><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, getting older puts us at risk of getting cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust about every cell in our body is replaced every seven to 10 years. Our bodies contain roughly 37.2 trillion cells,\u201d Dr. Labayog said. \u201cThe longer we\u2019re alive, the more chance our dividing cells may malfunction, especially when exposed to years of carcinogens and bad lifestyle choices.\u201d<\/p>\n

Genetics \u2013 family history of cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n

A family history of cancer, chronic diseases and cardiovascular disease may be out of our control, but it gives us a heads up on what to keep an eye on.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of people ask me if cancer is genetic.<\/a> Family members can pass on hereditary cells predisposed to malfunction. It\u2019s common cause of some cancers,\u201d he said. \u201cHereditary cancer does have a positive side. We can do genetic testing<\/a> and take corrective action before cancer develops. Lifestyle factors, medications and even surgery can correct faulty genes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tobacco<\/strong><\/p>\n

Both smoke and smokeless tobacco put dangerous toxins in our bodies. Cigarettes have at least 70 chemicals, and chewing tobacco has at least 25 chemicals known to cause cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you use tobacco, stop. It\u2019s the single lifestyle change you can make to avoid cancer,\u201d Dr. Labayog said. \u201cIt\u2019s difficult to quit<\/a> but worth it. If you or a loved one need help, ask your primary care provider for programs and support.\u201d<\/p>\n

Obesity<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>, being overweight or having obesity increases your risk of getting 13 types of cancer. These cancers make up 40% of all those diagnosed with cancer in the United States annually.<\/p>\n

\u201cObesity is a sign of general poor health. When we carry excess weight, we tax our organs and systems. Fat cells trap toxins, stopping our bodies from cleaning house,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Alcohol<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all alcoholic beverages, including red and white wine, beer and liquor, are linked to cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen our bodies break down alcohol, it turns into acetaldehyde that damages our DNA and stops our body from repairing the damage,\u201d Dr. Labayog said. \u201cThe damaged cells can begin growing out of control. The more you drink, the higher your risk for cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

What are the early signs of cancer?<\/p>\n

Learn More | OSF HealthCare<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Viral infections<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are several viruses, like HPV, linked to cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cA virus can take over our cells in order to reproduce by inserting its DNA or RNA into our cells,\u201d Dr. Labayog said. \u201cThe DNA or RNA can alter the cell, causing it to malfunction, resulting in cancer cells growing out of control.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carcinogenic chemicals<\/strong><\/p>\n

Specific, carcinogenic chemicals, like industrial solvents and weed killers, can enter our bloodstream through our skin or lungs, attacking cells and altering cell division.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnown carcinogens are labeled as dangerous. Always take precaution and follow safety instructions when handling any chemical,\u201d Dr. Labayog said. \u201cThe risk is amplified the more you are exposed to chemicals and may take years to develop. Use natural or mild chemicals if possible, and wear appropriate safety gear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Radiation exposure<\/strong><\/p>\n

Radiation comes in different forms \u2013 medical procedures, industrial settings, wireless devices and sun exposure, to name a few. The danger with radiation is, you don\u2019t always know if you\u2019ve been exposed.<\/p>\n

Currently, there is no indication that cellphone use causes cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cRadiation exposure can alter our cell\u2019s division instructions or outright destroy cells,\u201d Dr. Labayog said. \u201cAlways try to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure. The effects can be cumulative over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drawing your conclusions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Almost all cancer risks are due to an interruption in healthy cell reproduction or gene mutations. To stay healthy, you should learn<\/a> if you have a high risk<\/a> because those are your primary risk factors for developing cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter what you are ingesting, handling or exposed to, you should always ask how this will affect your body,\u201d he said. \u201cAlmost everything can negatively affect our bodies. Stay close to nature and keep an eye on hereditary issues to avoid health risks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our chances of developing cancer center on different types of risk factors \u2013 each involving the health and replication of our cells. Knowing your individual risk and watching what you’re ingesting, handling and exposed to, can help with prevention and early detection. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":16460,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[101],"tags":[19,2,1097],"coauthors":[687],"class_list":["post-16444","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cancer","tag-health-risks","tag-health-tips","tag-prevention"],"yoast_head":"\n8 general cancer risks factors \u00a0<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Knowing your risk and watching what you're ingesting, handling and exposed to, can help with the prevention and early detection of cancer.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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