Skip to content 
Cancer risk varies according to the type of cancer and a person’s circumstances. Factors that can increase risk include:
Getting older.
Tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Certain infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis viruses.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Some inherited genetic changes or a strong family history of particular cancers.
Certain occupational or environmental exposures.
Some long-term health conditions.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will develop cancer. Equally, people without obvious risk factors can still develop it.
Reducing tobacco exposure, protecting your skin from excessive sunlight, following recommended vaccination guidance, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and participating in appropriate screening can help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Consider arranging a medical appointment when a symptom is new, persistent, unexplained, progressively worsening, or unusual for you.
Do not wait for a symptom to become severe before asking for advice. At the same time, avoid assuming that every minor bodily change indicates a serious disease.