What increases my risks of getting cancer?

What increases my risks of getting cancer?

Several things can increase your risks of getting cancer. The best known would be cigarette smoking. In fact there are over 15 cancers where cigarette smoking is absolutely related. So 90% of people with lung cancer are cigarette smokers. There are 10% who aren't, but its the overwhelming majority. Alcohol can also be related especially when combined with cigarette smoking. It seems to be a double risk. Other things are less understood. There are certain environmental exposures - perhaps heavy exposures to pesticides. Many veterans in the Viet Nam War exposed to Agent Orange have a higher rate of cancer. And people who live close to nuclear disasters, such as Three Mile Island or Chernobal, all had higher risks of cancer. Those are the main environmental risk factors.