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CategoryCancer A-Z
  • What Causes Cancer?

Sun and Other Types of Radiation

Learn about the different types of radiation and how exposure might affect cancer risk.

UV Radiation (Sun)

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from the sun and man-made sources like tanning beds. Learn more about UV and how to reduce your risk of skin cancer here.

X-rays and Gamma Rays

When talking about radiation and cancer risk, it is often x-rays and gamma rays that people think about. Learn what we know about these types of high-energy radiation and how they affect cancer risk.

Radon

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. Long-term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer. Find out more about radon and its effects here.

Second Cancers Caused by Cancer Treatment

Some cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may increase a person's risk of developing a different type of cancer later in life. Here we discuss the risk of second cancers that may be linked to past cancer treatment.

Other Types of Radiation Exposure

Not all types of radiation have been proven to cause cancer. Learn what we know about exposure to lower-energy forms of radiation and cancer risk.

  • Microwaves, Radio Waves, and Other Types of Radiofrequency Radiation
  • Power Lines, Electrical Devices and Extremely Low Frequency Radiation
  • Cellular Phones
  • Cellular Phone Towers
  • Smart Meters

More In Cancer A-Z

  • Cancer Basics
  • Cancer Causes
  • Breast Cancer
  • Colon and Rectal Cancer
  • Skin Cancer
  • Lung Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
  • View All Cancer Types
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