Key points
- A risk factor is something that increases the chance of developing a disease.
- Some examples of risk factors for cancer are alcohol, family health history, human papillomavirus (HPV), obesity, and tobacco.
Risk factors
You can lower your risk for cancer by drinking less alcohol or not drinking at all.
Learn your family’s history of cancer and share it with your doctor.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cancer.
Being overweight or having obesity increases your risk of getting cancer.
Tobacco use can cause cancer almost anywhere in your body.