Cancer is the abnormal growth and division of cells in the body. It can start in any organs and spreads if neglected. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 39.5% of the population in the country will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. While the condition is curable, it is better to prevent it altogether. Thus, here is a list of cancer risk factors and prevention tips you should know about.

Cancer risk factors

1. Genes
One of the main risk factors for cancer is genes. If any of your first or second-degree relatives have been diagnosed with some kind of cancer in the past, you are at higher risk of developing the disease.

2. Smoking
In the list of cancer risk factors, smoking is the biggest preventable one. The habit affects the DNA of the cells and makes them behave abnormally. If you smoke regularly, you are automatically at a higher risk of various kinds of cancer, including cancer in the breast, ovaries, lungs, liver, and pancreas.

3. Age
The risk factor for most types of cancers increases as the person gets older.

4. Obesity
When you are obese or consistently overweight, the excess fat cells in the body increase the risk of inflammation in the body and cause the production of excess growth hormones. Both inflammation and constant exposure to growth hormones put a person at higher risk for developing a type of cancer.

4. Radiation exposure
People who work in places with constant exposure to artificial radiation have higher risks for developing cancer.

Cancer prevention tips

1. Genetic testing
With genes being one of the foremost risk factors of cancer, it makes sense that genetic testing is one of the primary prevention tips. This type of testing will examine the genetic variations in certain genes in the body and will let you know if you are at higher risk for specific types of cancers. If you are at higher risk, then you need to get yourself screened more frequently.

2. Quit smoking
Quitting smoking is an absolute need to keep yourself away from the risks of cancer. If you are currently smoking, try to drop the habit right away. There are a lot of free and paid clinics that help you get rid of it in a healthy manner.

3. Reduce intake of packaged, frozen, and processed foods
All kinds of processed, packaged, and frozen foods available in the market are loaded with various chemicals and preservatives that can cause basic changes to the body cells. Keep away from these foods and start buying organic fruits, vegetables, and grains and cook at home for as far as possible.

4. Limit your alcohol intake
Alcohol also increases your risk of developing certain types of cancers. Limit your spirit intake to less than three small drinks a week.