Cancer Care
Risk Factors for Cancer

All cancers have causes or risk factors associated with them. There are nine major factors that cause different types of cancer. These are:

• Tobacco*
• Alcohol (especially when combined with tobacco)*
• Diet*
• Some bacterial infections
• Sun exposure*
• Occupation (if exposed to radiation, asbestos, silicon, dusts, etc.)*
• Medication (radiation and/or drugs for one cancer can cause later cancers)
• Genetics (related to family history) - More information provided by Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
• Some viral infections

*These are all lifestyle risk factors that you can control. Reducing or eliminating unhealthy exposures is the best cancer prevention. Another way to prevent cancer is to have regular medical check-ups. If you have a high-risk job or lifestyle, talk with your health care provider for advice on how to make lifestyle changes to improve your health and decrease your chances of developing cancer.