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Some risk factors for cancer are modifiable, meaning they are things you can change. Modifiable risks for cancer include smoking and using tobacco products, being obese or overweight, not eating a healthy diet or using a tanning bed.

Some risk factors for cancer you cannot change, such as your family history; these are called unmodifiable risk factors. Some risk factors increase the likelihood of one type of cancer, while others can increase the risk of several types.

A tool like Oncolink’s “What’s My Risk” is designed to identify your personal risk factors, both modifiable and unmodifiable, and help you focus on those you can change, providing resources and tips to make those changes.

Lifestyle Changes that Decrease Cancer Risk

Regardless of your personal risk, age, gender and race, there are some modifiable risks - risks that increase as a result of lifestyle - you can change or modify today to help prevent cancer.

• Stop smoking or use tobacco. Need help quitting? Learn about Penn Medicine's Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Program.
• Use sunscreen. Stay sun safe with these tips.
• Do not use tanning booths.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk for cancer.
• Do not drink alcohol, or limit alcohol use.
• Limit sexual partners. The sexually transmitted disease, HPV, has been shown to increase risk for head and neck cancer, as well as cervical cancer.  

February is Cancer Prevention Month, and this month we are featuring blogs all about cancer prevention. "Like" the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania on Facebook to get cancer prevention tips, cancer education and cancer research news throughout the whole year.