Aspects of Cancer Prevention There is no way to predict who will develop cancer and who will not. However certain risk factors have been associated with the disease. Some risk factors, like age and family history, cannot be changed. However, screening can be individualized. Other risk factors, including many behavioral factors, are controllable. This means the choices you make can significantly influence the likelihood of developing cancer.  Smoking Poor diet Exposure to the sun Exposure to radiation and other chemicals Smoking  According to the American Cancer Society, it was estimated in 1999 there would be 173,000 cancer deaths caused by tobacco use. People who smoke are 10 times more likely to develop cancer than those who do not smoke. Using smokeless tobacco also significantly increases the risk of developing cancer. Not only does smoking and tobacco use increase the likelihood you will develop cancer, it also puts you at significant risk of developing other serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and other diseases of the lungs. Additionally, secondhand smoke -- smoke that non-smokers breath in -- accounts for 3,000 deaths from lung cancer each year, according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. It also causes respiratory problems, respiratory infections and asthma attacks in non-smokers. For an in-depth look at the risks associated with tobacco use, select from the areas below: Trends in Smoking American Cancer Society Summary of Tobacco Use If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, stop. Quitting today will reduce your risk of cancer and other serious diseases. If you need help in quitting, talk with your doctor. For more information about quitting smoking, select from the areas below. How to Quit American Cancer Society: Quitting Smoking Poor Nutrition Many Americans can extend their lives and reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes by improving their diets. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 35 percent of all cancer deaths can be attributed to dietary risk factors. People who are obese are at a significantly higher risk of developing cancer, especially cancer of the uterus, gallbladder, kidneys, stomach, colon, and breast. These risks can be reduced by maintaining recommended body weight through proper nutrition and exercise. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends a diet rich in various plant-based foods, vegetables, and fruits, to help prevent cancer. The research group also recommends eating foods low in fat and salt. The American Cancer Society recommends fat intake should not be more that 25-30 percent of calories consumed. Exposure to the Sun Over exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or other artificial source such as tanning booths and sunlamps, increases the incidence of skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States. There are three forms of skin cancer: basal cell squamous cell carcinomas malignant melanoma According to the American Cancer Society, in 1999 there will be 1 million new cases of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and 44,200 new cases of malignant melanoma. In 1999 skin cancer will claim the lives of 9,200. Anyone can get skin cancer, however, people who burn easily after exposure to the sun are at particular risk of developing skin cancer. Other risk factors include: A family or personal history of skin cancer Chronic exposure to the sun History of sunburns in early years The presence of atypical moles A large number of moles Freckles To reduce your chances of developing skin cancer, you should limit your exposure to the sun, particularly when the sun's rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends if you must be in the sun during these hours, you should consider taking the following precautions: Wear protective cover such as a broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sunglasses.   Use sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to protect against ultraviolet (UV) A and B rays.    Refer to the daily UV Index on your local weather forecast when planning outdoor activities.    Avoid artificial sources of UV light, such as tanning beds and sun lamps. Exposure to Radiation and Other Chemicals The American Cancer Society estimates that as many as half of the cases of cancer diagnosed may be in some way attributable to environmental risk factors, such as lifestyle choices (i.e. smoking, poor diet) that increase the likelihood of your developing cancer. However, exposure to certain types of radiation and chemicals that have been determined to be human carcinogens are also risk factors often encountered in the work place, in the community, or in the home. Exposure to high-frequency radiation such as ionizing radiation (x-rays, radon) and ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) has been determined to increase the likelihood of developing cancer. Any part of the body can be affected by ionizing radiation; however, bone marrow and the thyroid gland are particularly susceptible to IR. That is why radiation used in diagnostic x-rays are set for as low a dose as possible. Shields should be used to protect other parts of your body during x-ray exposure. Radon, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas is emitted by the earth in some regions. Breathing high levels of radon gas over an extended period of time can increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer. This risk may be more substantial for people who also smoke. There are a number of chemicals that have been identified as carcinogens or cancer-causing agents. Some of these chemicals includes chloroform, DDT, formaldehyde, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Many times exposure to these chemicals is in the workplace. If you work in an occupation that requires you to handle or be exposed to dangerous chemicals or other substances, you need to completely understand and implement any safety or precautionary procedures associated with these chemicals or substances. You should also limit your exposure to metals, dust, and pesticides, as well as asbestos, nickel, cadmium, uranium, radon, vinyl chloride, benzidene, and benzene. For more information about environmental risk factors that can increase the likelihood of your developing cancer, select an area below.