A caregiver providing comfort to a cancer patient

Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

Diet, lifestyle, and genetics can factor into your chances of getting cancer. Discover the most common causes of cancer and the changes you can make that may decrease your risk.
Grandmother with cancer holds grandchild or great-grandchild
Is Cancer Genetic?
By Lauren Krouse
oral DNA swab
What Is Genetic Testing for Cancer?
By Rebeca Schiller
Female doctor in discussion with senior male patient and adult daughter in exam room - stock photo
Is Cancer Contagious?
By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH
Asian mother and child using a microwave oven
Can Microwaves Cause Cancer?
By Lynne Eldridge, MD
An ethnic senior woman battling cancer sits with her daughter on the couch
Adenocarcinoma: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
By Julia Knox
Family shopping for cosmetics
Deodorants/Antiperspirants and Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
A doctor and cancer patient review test results.
Carcinoma: Types, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
By Julia Knox
Snuff
Smokeless Tobacco and Cancer: What's the Connection?
By Yvelette Stines
Asparagus
Does Asparagus Cause Cancer or Help Fight It?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Tobacco chewing pouches
Chewing Tobacco: What It Is, Carcinogens, Health Risks
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Talcum powder
Does Talc Cause Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
woman seasoning red meat
Red Meat and Cancer: What's the Connection?
By Yvelette Stines
UV lamp and chemicals for nails may increase cancer risk
Can Acrylic Nails Cause Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Business person uses Bluetooth earbuds
Do Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Cause Cancer?
By Lindsay Curtis
Microwave popcorn bag
Is Microwave Popcorn a Risk for Cancer and Lung Disease?
By Rebeca Schiller
gene mutation BRAF in cancer
BRAF Mutations: Meaning, Treatments, and Prognosis
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Multi ethnic research team studying DNA mutations. Female doctor in foreground
Hereditary vs. Acquired Gene Mutations in Cancer
Medically reviewed by Cristian Zanartu, MD
Cancer research laboratory, male scientist studied cells under the microscope
Cancer: Causes and Risk Factors
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Chemotherapy Patient
Oncogenesis: The Process That Leads to Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Close up of DNA samples in microcentrifuge tubes during an experiment in the laboratory with the DNA profile on the monitor screen.
What Is Loss of Heterozygosity and How Does It Affect Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Cancer patient in hospice care.
Genetic Predisposition to Cancer: Definition, Meaning, and Examples
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Bone marrow cancer
Multiple Myeloma: Causes and Risk Factors
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Close-up of person hand holding electronic cigarette
The Potential Health Hazards of Juuling for Adolescents
Medically reviewed by Anju Goel, MD, MPH
Lynch Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
By Brittany Ferri
Woman getting cancer treatment
Oncogene: Role in Cancer, Types, and Examples
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Stressed man at work
The Links Between Stress and Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Woman cancer patient in the hospital
Health Disparities in HPV-Related Cancers
Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD
BRCA gene mutation as a cause of cancer
BRCA2 Gene Mutations and Cancer Risk in Men and Women
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
6 Viruses That Can Lead to Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Highball on table
Types of Cancer Caused by Drinking Alcohol
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Woman getting her hair dyed red
Can Hair-Coloring Products Hurt You or Cause Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Sugar Cubes
The Link Between Sugar and Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
A young cancer patient looking out the window
Ciba-Geigy and the Toms River Cancer Cluster Settlement
Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig
gene mutation illustrating the non-BRCA gene mutations that raise breast cancer risk
The p53 Gene and Its Role in Cancer
Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD
Cold Water Bottles on Ice
Can Freezing Plastic Water Bottles Cause Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
A woman drinking a glass of iced water
Can Drinking Cold Water Cause Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Asbestos Removal
Risks From Asbestos Exposure and Safety Measures
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
woman getting a spray tan
Can Your Spray Tan Cause Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Can celiac disease cause cancer?
Celiac Disease and Cancer Risk
Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD, MS
Close up of woman's red lips
Can Lead in Lipstick Cause Cancer?
By Lisa Fayed
girl getting the Cervical Cancer Vaccine
How Some Viruses Cause Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
USA, Utah, Orem, carpenter at work
Wood Dust Exposure and Lung Cancer Risk
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Sarcoma cells
Heart Cancer: Understanding Cardiac Tumors
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Packages of Splenda and Equal
Does Splenda (Sucralose) Increase Your Risk for Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Genetic testing in medical lab
Cancer Risk: Know Your Genetic Blueprint
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Imaging evaluation is crucial in confirming a diagnosis
Developing Spinal Cord Compression From Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
cigarette being lit
Carcinogens: Substances That Cause Cancer... But How?
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD