CANCER - RISK FACTORS

1.    Age factor: High incidence of cancer (25.4%) is seen in the age group in between 65 and 74. 24.1% cancer patients fall in the age group 55 to 64. 19.6% in the age group 45 to 54. 19.6% of the cancer patients in between 75 to 84.

2.      Positive family history of cancer.

3.      Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of cancer of gastro-intestinal tract and liver.

4.      The risk of cancer is much higher for those who drink alcohol and use tobacco.

5.      More than 30 cancer causing chemicals are enlisted by Cancer Society. At present, edible items like vegetables, fruits, sea foods, meat, tin foods, beverages, drinking water etc are chemically contaminated which also increases cancer risk in long term consumption.

6.      Long term hormonal therapy also increases the risk

7.      Patients, receiving immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune disorders

8.      Viral infections like Hepatitis B & C virus, Epstein- Barr virus, Human Pappilloma  virus, Kaposis sarcoma associated virus, Cytomegalo virus, Human Immuno deficiency virus increase the risk of cancer

9.      Over exposure to sunlight and irradiation

10.  Obesity and physical inactivity also one among the reason for cancer development