As discussed above, the AACR states how a little more than 40% of diagnosed cancers can be prevented by following guidelines on cancer prevention. However, there are so many factors that play into the risks of someone developing cancer:
Everyone’s family history is different when it comes to cancer. Some people may have an increased chance, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will develop cancer later in life. While others may not have a family history but they can still get cancer in the future. The environment people are born in can also affect everyone’s risks differently. Factors such as access to medical care and exposure to hazardous living/working conditions can also lead to people varying in their cancer risk. Even then, some people may be more susceptible to risks than others.
Others may have been exposed to risk factors early in life, and one can’t go back and undo the risks.
While scientists and medical research have led to lots of knowledge, there is still much to learn about factors that may influence the risks or development of cancer.
The overall point is that not everyone starts at the same level. Thus, there can’t be an “apply to all” prevention action taken. On top of that, every kind of cancer and risk factor is different. Some cancers may develop spontaneously from cell damage. Some people may be more susceptible.