How to Prevent Cancer: Effective Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk

 Introduction

Cancer is considered one of the major health concerns worldwide. Cancer can affect any organ or tissue, and based on these, the causes, symptoms, and treatments can vary from case to case. Though not all cancers are preventable, adopting some healthy lifestyle habits and limiting the known risk factors can help in reducing the risk of developing certain types of cancers. This blog helps you  understand  what  cancer is, its risk factors, how to prevent cancer, its diagnosis, treatment and when to seek medical advice to avoid unnecessary concerns and make informed decisions about one’s health.  

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which certain cells in the body grow and multiply uncontrollably.  In the human body, a natural process takes place as new cells are formed along with the removal of old, damaged  cells. Normally, this process is controlled by many factors and in cancer, this normal mechanism is disturbed, which leads to the increased growth and multiplication of damaged cells. 

Cancer cells behave differently from normal cells with regard to the processes involved in cell growth, division, repair, death and response to body’s immune system¹. 

Can Cancer Be Prevented?

Cancers are caused by changes (mutations) in genetic materials which control the normal cell division process¹. Several factors can control this, and avoiding these can help in the prevention of cancer occurrence. However, not every cancer is preventable, as some factors are non-modifiable, such as age and family history. However, 30%-50% of deaths due to cancer can be prevented by avoiding the risk factors and adopting evidence-based measures³.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Cancer?

Factors which might put a person at an increased chance for being affected by cancer are termed risk factors. These include: 

1. Age

Increasing age is considered one of the common risk factors of cancer. However, the age at which cancer may develop can vary based on the type of cancer. Cancers affecting the breast, colon, lung, and prostate usually occur around 63-72 years of age, while cancers like leukaemia are more common in children⁴.  

2. Family history

Certain cancers can run in families through the passing down of genetic changes, which might increase the risk of cancer from their parents. This does not mean that cancer itself is passed down from the parents; rather, the changes in genes that put the person at an increased risk can be passed⁵. 

3. Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol intake is linked with mouth, throat, liver and breast cancers. While, there is no completely risk-free level of alcohol consumption with to respect to cancer, the risk can be higher for those people who drink alcohol along with the use of tobacco⁶.  

4. Infections

Certain infectious agents can increase the risk for developing cancer. Some viruses act by disturbing normal cell proliferation, and some infections might lead to weaker immunity and thereby to cancer. Viruses such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), human T-cell leukaemia virus (HTLV-1) and a bacterium named Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) might increase the risk of certain cancers. Certain parasitic flatworms can also be involved in cancer development⁷.  

5. Radiation

High-energy radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays is most involved in the incidence of certain cancers. Some of the diagnostic procedures, including X-rays, computed tomography (CT), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans, might produce small changes in cells, though the risk for developing cancers is limited. Low-energy radiation such as that from cell phones and visible light has not proved to induce cancers in humans⁸. Radiotherapy on the other hand, intentionally uses high doses of ionizing radiation and can cause DNA damage to normal tissues; however, its benefits usually outweigh the long-term secondary-cancer risk when appropriately indicated. 

6. Chronic Inflammation 

Inflammation that lasts for a prolonged period might be caused by some infections, certain conditions such as obesity and abnormal immune reactions. The changes induced by these can also be reflected in DNA abnormalities and thereby lead to cancer. Chronic inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can increase the risk of developing colon cancer⁹. 

7. Hormones

Hormones such as oestrogen are found to be associated with an increased risk for developing cancers, though they possess some normal functions in the human body. Evidence highlights the risk of breast cancer in women is more linked with the production of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone from their ovaries. Long exposure to these hormones from early menstruation (menarche) and late permanent stoppage of monthly periods (menopause), delayed pregnancies and no history of any childbirth can be considered risk factors¹⁰. 

8. Immunity Suppression

In healthy individuals, under normal physiologic conditions, certain types of cancer cells can be detected by the body’s immune system, which tries to eliminate these abnormal cells. But, in people who have undergone organ transplants, certain immunosuppressive medicines are given to avoid rejection by the body. When these immunosuppressive drugs are taken, or under in case of certain infections like HIV, which weakens the immune system, these cells fail to detect the cancer cells. In HIV affected people, most cancers caused by certain viral infections are seen, although some non-infectious related cancers such as lung cancers can also be seen¹¹.  

9. Obesity

Obese people are more prone to get affected with cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, kidney cancer, pancreas and gallbladder, although some other factors can also contribute to the development¹². 

10. Sunlight

Ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) in sunlight is considered an inducing factor of cancer development. These radiations can accelerate skin ageing and cancers. People of any skin tone can develop skin cancer; however, people with a light skin tone are more prone to develop it¹³.  

11. Tobacco

Use of tobacco is considered one of the common causes of death due to cancers. People who use tobacco or who are constantly exposed to environmental tobacco smoke might develop cancer due to the presence of certain chemicals in it. They are more prone to develop lung, mouth, throat, kidney, liver, stomach, colon and rectum cancers. Smokeless tobacco is involved in inducing mouth cancers, and it increases the risk of oesophageal or pancreatic cancers¹⁴.  

12. Environmental substances

Certain chemicals in the environment, including the ones in the air, water, food or in the materials we use, might cause some DNA damage. Some of these can be avoided, such as tobacco smoke, radiation, and UV rays. Other substances that might also cause cancer are arsenic, cadmium, radon, untreated mineral oils, etc. However, chances of developing cancers depend on many other factors, including the exposure duration and amount¹⁵. 

These risk factors can be modifiable, that is those which can be altered by adopting some healthy lifestyle measures, or nonmodifiable, those which cannot be controlled. While nothing can be done about the nonmodifiable factors, reducing exposure or avoiding the modifiable risk factors might be helpful in cancer prevention. 

Ways to Prevent Cancer

Limiting or avoiding the modifiable risk factors along with adopting the evidence-based preventive measures are beneficial in preventing the deaths associated with certain cancers. The complications associated with these cancers can also be reduced by timely detection and early initiation of management strategies: 

1. Avoid tobacco use

Avoiding all forms of tobacco, including smoking and smokeless tobacco is advised¹⁶.  

2. Maintenance of healthy weight

 Achieving a healthy weight can help in preventing obesity associated cancers¹⁶.

3. Healthy Diet

 A diet including a lot of fruits and vegetables is recommended¹⁶.

4. Alcohol Intake

 Intake of alcohol can be seen linked with many cancers, such as mouth, throat, liver and breast and avoiding it can help in preventing the associated cancers⁶.  

5. Being physically active

Regular exercise can help in prevention¹⁶. For adults, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity weekly is recommended¹⁷.  

6. Vaccinations

 Vaccinations against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) can be beneficial in preventing the cancers caused by them³.

7. Limiting sunlight exposure

Limiting sun exposure, particularly between mid-morning and late afternoon, can be beneficial in preventing UV-induced cancers. Wearing a hat that covers the face, neck and ears, wearing sunglasses when under sunlight, and wearing dresses with long sleeves and pants are preferred. Application of sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and 30 minutes before going outside is recommended. Reapplication every two hours or after swimming or sweating can provide an added advantage¹³. 

8. Limiting exposure to ionising radiation

 Reducing unnecessary exposure to radiation from occupational sites or following safe medical use of radiation in diagnosis and management can help in the prevention of certain cancers⁸.

Diagnosis of Cancer

No single test is available to detect cancer. Your doctor can diagnose cancer by sequential diagnostic methods. However, these tests can vary from person to person based on the type of cancer and their symptoms¹⁸:  

• Medical History Evaluation: It can include personal histories or family histories. Personal histories might include diet, lifestyle practices, intake of alcohol or history of any other illnesses. Family history is also evaluated to check for any related illnesses present in any family members. 
• Physical Examination: It can include the assessment of the presence of any lumps or any unusual changes in skin or organs. 
• Laboratory Tests 
  • Blood tests: These can be a complete blood count (CBC), which can assess various blood cells and help in diagnosing cancers, especially blood cancers and blood chemistry tests, which can give information about how well some organs are working. It can also include liquid biopsy, which detects circulating tumour DNA pieces or tumour cells in blood. 
  • Cytogenetic Analysis: Here, any changes related to chromosomes that might lead to cancers are evaluated. 
  • Immunophenotyping: Mostly done on blood or bone marrow samples and is useful in finding blood cancers or disorders. 
  • Tumour marker cells: The substances produced by cancer or other cells in response to cancer are evaluated. However, most tumour markers cannot diagnose cancer on their own. 
  • Urine/Stool Tests: These can help find certain cancers related to the kidney, bladder, gastrointestinal tract or certain rarer cancer variants. 
• Imaging Tests: They are used to create pictures of the body or organs to see where the tumours are present. They can include CT scan, MRI scan, ultrasound, PET scan and X-rays. 
• Biopsy: Here, abnormal tissue is taken to look under the microscope to check for any cancers. 
• Additional Tests: If any tests shown the presence of cancer, additional testing can be done to find the grade of the tumour and whether there is spread of cancer.  

Note: Specific screening tests for selected cancers also need to be considered such as mammography for breast cancer, HPV testing for cervical cancer screening, sputum cytology for lung cancer, colonoscopy for colorectal screening etc.  

Screening and early detection can reduce cancer mortality for selected cancers. 

Treatment of Cancer

Many types of cancer treatments are available, and the type of treatment for one person may vary from another based on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. Most people will have a combination of treatments, though some have only one. These can include¹⁹: 

• Chemotherapy: Here, certain drugs are used to either kill or stop the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells, but it can also affect other normal rapidly dividing cells too.  
• Surgery: This is the procedure in which cancer is removed surgically. Depending upon the size of tumour and spread, the region and surrounding structures to be excised are determined by the surgical oncologist. 
• Radiation therapy: Ionizing radiation is delivered in carefully planned doses to damage the DNA of cancer cells and prevent their ability to survive and proliferate. Radiation may also be helpful in palliation (reducing the associated symptoms).  
• Hormone Therapy: Treatment which slows the growth of prostate or breast which grow by the effects of hormones. 
• Immunotherapy: The body’s immune system is involved in fighting against cancer. 
• Photodynamic Therapy: Light-activated drugs are used against the cancer cells. 
• Targeted Therapy: Factors controlling cell division, growth and spread are being targeted here. 

Myths and Facts About Cancer

Certain common myths about cancer might lead to unnecessary concerns and related anxieties, which can lead to other complications. These myths can sometimes delay evidence-based preventive measures, timely identification and management strategies²⁰: 

• Association between eating sugar and development of cancer: No studies are available which show the association between the development of cancer and eating sugar. However, following a diet with high sugars might lead to obesity and thereby one must be cautious. 
• Risk of person-to-person cancer transmission: Cancer is not contagious through ordinary person-to-person contact. Very rarely, this may occur following an organ transplantation, that is when receiving an organ from a person who has undetected cancer. In cases of certain infection-related cancers, the viruses or bacteria linked with the infections may spread to another person; however, transmission of cancer might not be observed in these cases. 
• Cancer spreading to other body parts following a surgery or biopsy: Chances of spreading of cancers to other parts of body following surgeries or biopsies are extremely limited if the doctors are following standard procedures or adopting the required special methods. This depends more on the type and stage of cancer.  
• Use of cell phones causing cancer: Cell phones emit low-energy radiation which does not break chemical bonds or cause alterations in the DNA as these are non-ionising radiations; thus, they cannot cause genetic changes leading to cancer. 
• Herbal therapies for curing cancer: Though there are proponents for use of alternative therapies for treatment of cancer, including some herbs, these modalities are not proven to be effective in cancer management. While some may help in coping with the side effects of cancer treatment, others might actually interfere with the normal mechanism of chemotherapy or radiation therapy in treating cancer. So always use them with caution. 

Also Read: Early Warning Signs of Cancer You Should Know

When to Consult a Doctor?

If you notice any unusual symptoms such as new lumps, persistent fatigue or fever, unexplained weight loss or any changes that are not normal or if you are worried that these could be signs of cancer, you need to consult a doctor. 

Conclusion

Cancer is considered one of the major health burdens worldwide. Cancer is considered the abnormal growth and multiplication of certain cells following certain mutations in associated genes. Cancer can affect any organ, and there can be several cancers which vary in their causes, symptoms, preventive measures, and treatment modalities. Having proper awareness about cancer can avoid unnecessary concerns and can help in timely medical evaluation and taking appropriate management measures. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. What Is Cancer? – NCI. September 17, 2007. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer 

2. Cancer. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer 

3. Cancer. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancer 

4. Risk Factors: Age – NCI. April 29, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/age 

5. The Genetics of Cancer – NCI. April 22, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics 

6. Risk Factors: Alcohol – NCI. April 29, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol 

7. Risk Factors: Infectious Agents – NCI. April 29, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents 

8. Risk Factors: Radiation – NCI. April 29, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation 

9. Risk Factors: Chronic Inflammation – NCI. April 29, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/chronic-inflammation 

10. Risk Factors: Hormones – NCI. April 29, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones 

11. Risk Factors: Immunosuppression – NCI. April 29, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/immunosuppression 

12. Risk Factors: Obesity – NCI. April 29, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity 

13. Cancer Risk Factors: Sunlight – NCI. April 29, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/sunlight 

14. Risk Factors: Tobacco – NCI. April 29, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/tobacco 

15. Cancer-Causing Substances in the Environment – NCI. March 18, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances 

16. Dart H, Wolin KY, Colditz GA. Commentary: Eight Ways to Prevent Cancer: a framework for effective prevention messages for the public. Cancer Causes Control CCC. 2012;23(4):601-608. doi:10.1007/s10552-012-9924-y https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3631124/

17. Physical activity. Accessed August 26, 2026. https://www.who.int/initiatives/behealthy/physical-activity 

18. Tests and Procedures Used to Diagnose Cancer – NCI. March 9, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/diagnosis 

19. Types of Cancer Treatment – NCI. July 31, 2017. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types 

20. Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions – NCI. January 18, 2023. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths 

21. Risk Factors for Cancer – NCI. April 29, 2015. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk 

22. Risk Factors: Diet – NCI. January 31, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet 

23. Bhutia SK, Mukhopadhyay S, Sinha N, et al. Autophagy: Cancer’s Friend or Foe? Adv Cancer Res. 2013;118:61-95. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-407173-5.00003-0  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4349374/

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