Title: Cancer & Oncology Information from Drugs.com
Headings: Cancer Center
Cancer Center
What is Cancer?
How does it start?
Are some people more likely to get cancer than others?
Treatment Options
Anti-cancer drugs
See Also
Further information

Content: You can reduce your risk by not eating processed or burnt meats and eating more fiber, fruit, and vegetables. Genetic predisposition: Certain types of cancer, such as colon and breast cancer, often run in families, and people can inherit this predisposition towards cancer, although other non-genetic (environmental) factors must be present for cancer to develop
Estrogen exposure in women: Women who are exposed to higher levels of estrogen, either via estrogen-containing medication or naturally through going through menstruation early or menopause late, are at increased risk for some cancers, such as those of the breast, ovaries, or uterus. This risk is reduced in women who have had a baby before the age of 35, who exercise regularly, or who consume a low-fat diet
Exposure to carcinogens: People exposed to certain substances have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer. There are more than two hundred known carcinogens including alcohol, asbestos, coal tar, diesel exhaust, formaldehyde, tobacco, and UV radiation
Exposure to some infectious organisms: Certain viruses (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human papillomavirus), bacteria (eg, Helicobacter pylori) and parasites (eg, Schistosoma hematobium) have been associated with a higher risk of cancer
Radiation: Over-exposure to X rays, nuclear radiation, ultraviolet radiation (from sunlight), and even cosmic radiation (aircrew have higher rates of cancer than non-aircrew) can cause DNA injury that may lead to cancer. Several other factors also increase the risk of cancer such as chronic inflammation, immunosuppression, and obesity.