Cancer risk factors
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
Risk Factors
Modifiable ("lifestyle") risk factors
Examples of modifiable cancer risk factors include alcohol consumption (associated with increased risk of oral, esophageal, breast, and other cancers), smoking (although 20% of women with lung cancer have never smoked, versus 10% of men[1]), physical inactivity (associated with increased risk of colon, breast, and possibly other cancers), and being overweight (associated with colon, breast, endometrial, and possibly other cancers). Based on epidemiologic evidence, it is now thought that avoiding excessive alcohol consumption may contribute to reductions in risk of certain cancers; however, compared with tobacco exposure, the magnitude of effect is modest or small and the strength of evidence is often weaker. Other lifestyle and environmental factors known to affect cancer risk (either beneficially or detrimentally) include certain sexually transmitted diseases, the use of exogenous hormones, exposure to ionizing radiation and ultraviolet radiation, and certain occupational and chemical exposures.
Every year, at least 200,000 people die worldwide from cancer related to their workplace. [2] Millions of workers run the risk of developing cancers such as lung cancer and mesothelioma from inhaling asbestos fibers and tobacco smoke, or leukemia from exposure to benzene at their workplaces.[2] Currently, most cancer deaths caused by occupational risk factors occur in the developed world.[2] It is estimated that approximately 20,000 cancer deaths and 40,000 new cases of cancer each year in the U.S. are attributable to occupation.[3]
See alcohol and cancer for more on that topic.
References
- ↑ "Lung Cancer in American Women: Facts". Retrieved 2007-01-19.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "WHO calls for prevention of cancer through healthy workplaces" (Press release). World Health Organization. 2007-04-27. Retrieved 2007-10-13.
- ↑ "National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health- Occupational Cancer". United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Retrieved 2007-10-13.