Fiber is indigestible plant material that helps clean out the large intestine, preventing accumulation of fecal material that might promote cancerous cell growth. Although people cannot inherit most cancers, they can pass down a susceptibility to developing cancer. Careful cancer screening, cancer tests and preventive measures are advised if the family history includes cancer. Lifestyle Cigarette smoking is the major cause of cancer in the United States and leads to almost one-third of cancer deaths in the United States. Researchers directly link smoking to cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, bladder, kidney and pancreas.
Tobacco contains many carcinogens that promote cell mutation and growth.
Even breathing secondhand smoke may be associated with an increase in lung cancer. Too much alcohol can lead to cirrhosis, a liver disease resulting from chronic liver tissue damage. Cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer. Researchers also relate excess alcohol consumption to mouth and throat cancers. Excessive drinking combined with smoking increases this incidence.