Modifiable risk factors

Question 1

Tobacco

Answer 1

Most common preventable cause of cancer death- 30%. Lung CA. Individual counseling, cessation therapies plus societal intervention and prevention. Known to increase risk.

Question 2

Nutrition

Answer 2

Most modifiable risk factor if don’t use tobacco- along with exercise. Fruits & vegetables reduce GI malignancies

Question 3

Alcohol

Answer 3

Excessive consumption associated with increased risk of esophageal, liver, head and neck cancers.

Question 4

Viruses

Answer 4

Known to increase risk- Vaccines to prevent infection of viruses associated with cancers- EBV, Hep B & C, HPV

Question 5

Radiation

Answer 5

Known to increase risk- Limit the use of CT and x-rays. Excess radiation associated with leukemia, thyroid, and many other cancers

Question 6

UV Light

Answer 6

Known to increase risk. Modifiable- main cause of non melanoma skin cancers

Question 7

Physical activity

Answer 7

Modifiable- Strong link between physical activity and lowered risk of colorectal cancer

Question 8

Obesity

Answer 8

Modifiable- higher risk of breast, colorectal, endometrial, esophageal, kidney and pancreatic. Not known if losing weight lowers risk

Question 9

Chemoprophylaxis

Answer 9

Use of substances to reduce CA risk/ reoccurrence.

• Breast: estrogen receptor modulators- tamoxifen
• Prostate: finasteride