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Cancer & Prevention
Cancer prevention is not about finding one miracle food, supplement, or lifestyle habit that guarantees protection. Cancer is a complex group of diseases influenced by age, genetics, environmental exposures, infections, and lifestyle factors. Some risks cannot be changed, but others can.
This Cancer & Prevention section focuses on evidence-based information about cancer risk factors, nutrition, healthy lifestyle habits, screening, and practical ways to reduce preventable risks.
Explore Cancer Prevention Topics
Understanding Cancer Risk
A cancer risk factor is something associated with a greater likelihood of developing cancer. Some risk factors, such as age and inherited genetic changes, are outside our control. Others—including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, excess body weight, physical inactivity, ultraviolet radiation, certain infections, and environmental exposures—may be reduced or avoided.
Having a risk factor does not mean that you will develop cancer, and someone without obvious risk factors can still develop the disease. Cancer prevention is therefore best viewed as reducing risk rather than eliminating it.
Genetics & Age
Age and inherited genetic changes can influence cancer risk, even though these factors cannot be changed.
Lifestyle Factors
Tobacco, alcohol, physical inactivity, diet, and excess body weight are among the lifestyle factors that may affect risk.
Environmental Exposures
UV radiation, radon, and certain workplace or environmental exposures can contribute to cancer risk.
Screening & Early Detection
Appropriate screening can detect some cancers early and, in certain cases, identify precancerous changes.
Lifestyle and Cancer Prevention
Everyday habits can influence long-term cancer risk. Avoiding tobacco, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, limiting alcohol, protecting your skin from excessive ultraviolet exposure, and reducing contact with known environmental hazards can all play a role in lowering preventable cancer risk. Vaccination against certain infections, including HPV and hepatitis B when recommended, can also help reduce the risk of specific cancers.
Nutrition and Cancer Risk
Diet is an important part of cancer prevention, but it is also an area where health claims are often exaggerated. No single food can prevent or cure cancer. The strongest evidence supports an overall eating pattern built around vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, and other minimally processed plant foods.
At the same time, regularly eating large amounts of processed meat and following dietary patterns dominated by highly processed foods may work against long-term health. Rather than focusing on individual “superfoods,” it is more useful to think about the quality of your overall diet and how your eating habits fit alongside other cancer-prevention measures.
Our guides to a cancer-preventing diet and foods that may support a cancer-protective eating pattern take a closer look at the research and help separate evidence-based nutrition advice from claims that go beyond the science.
Screening and Early Detection
Screening is different from prevention. Its purpose is to find certain cancers—or, in some cases, precancerous changes—before symptoms appear, when treatment may be more effective.
The screening tests that may be appropriate depend on factors such as age, sex, personal medical history, family history, and individual cancer risk. Someone at increased risk may need a different screening schedule than a person at average risk.
Screening recommendations can also change as new evidence becomes available, so decisions about which tests to have and when to have them should be made with a qualified healthcare professional. Older adults can learn more in our guide to the most common cancers in seniors, including important screening considerations and warning signs.
Making Sense of Cancer Information
Cancer is an area where misleading health claims are especially common. Be cautious of anyone promising that a particular food, supplement, herb, detox, or alternative therapy can prevent or cure cancer.
Research findings also need context. A result from a laboratory or animal study does not necessarily mean the same effect will occur in people, and a single study rarely provides a complete answer. Stronger health recommendations usually come from a larger body of evidence collected over time.
Reliable cancer information should clearly distinguish between established evidence, emerging research, and unproven claims. Complementary approaches may sometimes be used alongside conventional care, but they should not replace appropriate cancer screening, diagnosis, or treatment.
Important: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, cancer screening, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about cancer risk, symptoms, or screening, talk with a qualified healthcare professional.
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