Understand Your Cancer Risk

Nearly 40% of Americans hear their doctor say “you have cancer” at some point in their lives. Every year, more than one million people in the U.S. receive the diagnosis.

From your genetics to your lifestyle, a variety of factors influence whether you develop cancer. But the good news is there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Some factors are easier to control than others, but one thing is certain: Understanding your personal risk can help you take action to prevent the disease.

The Genetic Factors

Genetics likely play some role in all cancers, but only about 5-10% of cancers are hereditary, meaning your genes are not the major contributing factor.

While genetic mutations are only involved in a small percentage of all cancers, having a gene mutation does increase your cancer risk. For example, most women have a 12% risk of developing breast cancer. But women with a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have a lifetime breast cancer risk of 45-87%.

Genetic Counseling and Testing

If you’re concerned you might have a genetic mutation, see a genetic counselor. These providers can help you understand your cancer risk and tell you what you can do to decrease it. If you have a family history of cancer, these counselors can help you decide whether genetic testing is right for you.

Speak to a genetic counselor if you have a first- or second-degree relative, such as a sibling, parent, aunt, uncle or grandparent, who had any of these cancer factors:

• A cancer diagnosis at an unusually young age
• Two or more types of cancer that occurred independently in the same person
• Cancer that developed in a set of paired organs, such as both kidneys or both breasts
• A cluster of relatives who all have the same type of cancer (for example, a mother, daughter and sisters with breast cancer)
• Unusual cases of a specific cancer type (for example, breast cancer in a man)
• Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, as it carries an increased chance of hereditary cancers

Practice Early Prevention

If you have a gene mutation, it’s important to take steps to protect your health. Knowing whether you’ve inherited a genetic mutation can help you begin screenings early, such as starting mammograms at age 30 instead of 40 or getting a colonoscopy once a year instead of every 10 years. You can also talk to your doctor to see if preventive surgery is an option for you.

It’s good news if you don’t have a genetic mutation but your family history could still put you in a higher risk category. Early or frequent screenings can help you and your doctor keep an eye on your health — even if you’ve tested negative for genetic mutations.

Recognize Other Cancer Risks

The most significant risk factor for developing cancer? Aging. As you age, your body goes through substantial changes that can increase your risk of cancer. Like genetics and family history, you can’t change your age, but there are other factors you can control.

Your lifestyle and environment can expose you to many DNA-damaging factors that may lead to cancer. To decrease your risk, follow these tips:

• Diet: Limit how much red and processed meat you eat. Eat more vegetables, especially colorful ones, and other foods rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants that help prevent cancer.
• Exercise: According to the American Cancer Society, maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from cancer. Get going with a fitness plan today and make it a habit.
• Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and drinking raise your cancer risk. Don’t smoke or vape. Limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men.
• Sun: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can trigger DNA changes. Protect yourself in the sun.

Thinking about cancer can be scary and overwhelming but taking preventive steps helps you take control of your health. Making a few simple changes – whether it’s moving more or talking to a genetic counselor — can make a big difference in lowering your risk factors and staying healthy.