How Do You Get Cancer and How to Reduce Your Risk

Cancer can affect anyone, but understanding what can cause cancer and the factors that increase your risk can help you take steps to protect your health and reduce your cancer risk.

How can you get cancer?

Cancer happens when abnormal or damaged cells grow uncontrollably and interfere with healthy cells.

“Cancer cells are the exact opposite of healthy. They’re not normal and typically result from a variety of factors,” said Jomel Labayog, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist at OSF HealthCare.

But how do you get cancer and what are the chances of getting cancer? Often, cancer doesn’t have a single cause.

“Some factors are beyond our control, and others can take years before the cells malfunction,” Dr. Labayog said.

Is there a primary risk factor for developing cancer?

There isn’t just one single cause of cancer, but there are primary risk factors for developing cancer that research has consistently linked to the disease.

Age

As we get older, our risk for cancer increases. That’s because our cells constantly divide and repair, and over a lifetime, damage from aging, environment and lifestyle choices can build up.

“Just about every cell in our body is replaced every seven to 10 years. Our bodies contain roughly 37.2 trillion cells,” Dr. Labayog said. “The longer we’re alive, the more chance our dividing cells may malfunction, especially when exposed to years of carcinogens and bad lifestyle choices.”

Genetics and family history

Some people inherit genes that increase their likelihood of cancer. If your family has a history of cancer, you may have a higher risk – but that also means you can benefit from genetic testing and early screening, which can catch cancer early when it’s most treatable.

Different cancer screenings are recommended for men and women.

Lifestyle and environmental risk factors for cancer

Many cancers are linked to diet and lifestyle choices. In fact, experts believe a significant percentage of cancers are preventable.

Tobacco and vaping

Tobacco remains one of the most dangerous risk factors for cancer. Cigarettes contain at least 70 known carcinogens (substances that cause cancer), while chewing tobacco contains at least 25.

Quitting cigarettes, tobacco use or other smoking products is the single most effective way to cut your cancer risk.

But what about vaping? Current research doesn’t yet confirm that vaping causes cancer. However, because e-cigarettes introduce foreign substances – like addictive chemicals, nicotine and THC – into the lungs, experts caution that long-term risks may include lung disease and possibly cancer as more data becomes available.

Alcohol

When your body breaks down alcohol, it produces acetaldehyde, a chemical that damages DNA and makes it harder for your body to repair itself. The more you drink, the higher your risk of cancer. Drinking too much alcohol increases your risk of developing cirrhosis, which can lead to liver cancer.

Obesity and lack of physical activity

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity is linked to at least 13 types of cancer, accounting for about 40% of cancers diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Excess fat also stores toxins, which makes it harder for your body to “clean house.”

Regular activity and maintaining a healthy weight strengthen your immune system, lower stress and help prevent disease.

Diet: processed foods and processed meat

What you eat plays a big role in what can cause cancer. Diets high in processed foods – like sugary cereals, chips and frozen meals – and processed meats, such as hot dogs, bacon and deli meats, have been shown to increase cancer risk. These foods often contain preservatives, nitrates or added refined sugars that can fuel cancer development.

Instead of reaching for sugary or overly processed foods, aim for whole, unprocessed foods with plenty of fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Radiation exposure

Radiation can damage or change the DNA inside your cells. This includes UV radiation from the sun, some medical imaging procedures and environmental exposures, like radon and power plants. Protect your skin with sunscreen, protective clothing and avoiding unnecessary radiation, like duplicate imaging tests or unnecessary or minor X-rays.

In the past, people have wondered if the radiation in cell phones can cause cancer or increase your risk of getting certain types of cancer. According to Dr. Labayog, the latest research shows no clear evidence shows no clear evidence that mobile phone use increases cancer risk.

Chemicals and carcinogens

Industrial solvents, weed killers and other carcinogenic chemicals can cause cancer. They usually enter the body through the skin or lungs. Always follow safety precautions, use protective equipment and reduce your exposure whenever possible.

Viral infections

Certain viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B, can cause cancer by inserting their DNA or RNA into your cells and changing how they function. HPV, for example, is strongly linked to cervical and throat cancers, while hepatitis B can cause liver cancer.

Vaccinations and preventive screenings can lower these risks. Talk to your primary care provider about how to reduce your risk. Some vaccines can be safely given to children as young as 9 to help prevent your kids’ risk of certain cancers in the future.

What are the chances of getting cancer?

While anyone can develop cancer, the likelihood rises significantly with age. According to the American Cancer Society, in the U.S., nearly nine in 10 cancer diagnoses occur in people 50 and older, and almost six in 10 in those 65 and older. Over a lifetime, about 40% of men and 39% of women in the U.S. will face a cancer diagnosis. While those odds may sound concerning, remember: Many cancers are preventable, treatable and even curable when caught early.

How to reduce cancer risk

While not all cancer is preventable, you can take meaningful steps to protect yourself:

• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight with regular activity
• Eat a balanced diet with fewer processed foods and processed meats
• Protect your skin from UV radiation
• Get vaccinated (HPV and hepatitis B vaccines)
• Talk to your provider about genetic testing if you have a family history of cancer
• Keep up with recommended screenings, like mammograms, colonoscopies and Pap tests

“A majority of these are preventable causes of cancer. Living healthy, watching genetic risks and getting recommended screening tests are your best bets to avoid cancer,” Dr. Labayog said.