Understanding the Causes of Cancer
There are a lot of rumors and myths about cancer that make it hard to know what’s true. Here are answers to some of the questions you may have. You'll also learn how potential carcinogens are tested and classified, and find a list of known and probable carcinogens.
Genetics and Cancer
Some types of cancer run in certain families, but most cancers are not clearly linked to the genes we inherit from our parents. Learn about the complex links between genes and cancer, as well as genetic testing and how it is used.
Tobacco and Cancer
Get information on cigarette, cigar, and other types of tobacco use, and learn how it can affect your health, including your risk of cancer.
Diet and Physical Activity and Cancer
Get the facts on how diet, physical activity, excess body weight, and alcohol use may affect your risk of cancer.
Infections and Cancer
In the United States and other developed countries, a small portion of cancers are thought to be linked to infections. Learn more about some of the infectious agents linked to cancer in this section.
Radiation and Cancer
Learn about the different types of radiation and how exposure to them might affect cancer risk.
Chemicals and Cancer
Get the facts about some known, possible, and unlikely environmental causes of cancer.
Medical Treatments and Cancer
Medical tests and treatments can be an important part of getting and staying healthy. But some types of tests and treatments may actually increase a person's risk of developing cancer. Get the facts about possible links between certain medical procedures and cancer.