For example, although you can choose to quit smoking, you can not choose which genes you have inherited from your parents. Both smoking and inheriting specific genes could be considered risk factors for certain kinds of cancer, but only smoking can be avoided. Prevention means avoiding the risk factors and increasing the protective factors that can be controlled so that the chance of developing cancer decreases. Although many risk factors can be avoided, it is important to keep in mind that avoiding risk factors does not guarantee that you will not get cancer. Also, most people with a particular risk factor for cancer do not actually get the disease.
Some people are more sensitive than others to factors that can cause cancer.
Talk to your doctor about methods of preventing cancer that might be effective for you. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.