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  • Cancer A-Z

    Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. Here you'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types – including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options.

    • Explore Cancer A-Z
    • Breast Cancer
    • Colon and Rectal Cancer
    • Lung Cancer
    • Prostate Cancer
    • Skin Cancer
    • All Cancer Types

    Featured Topics

    • Skin Cancer Gallery
    • Non-cancerous Breast Conditions
    • Cancer in Children
    • Rare Cancers, Sub-types, and Pre-cancers

    Related Resources

    • Cancer Glossary
    • Cancer News
    • For Health Care Professionals
  • Risk, Prevention, & Screening

    You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. It’s also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early.

    • Explore Risk, Prevention, & Screening
    • Find Cancer Early
    • Stay Away From Tobacco
    • Eat Healthy & Get Active
    • Be Safe in the Sun
    • Protect Against HPV
    • What Causes Cancer?
    • Cancer Facts

    Featured Topics

    • Screening Guidelines by Age
    • Genetics & Cancer
    • Sun Safety Videos
    • BMI Calculator

    Related Resources

    • Signs & Symptoms of Cancer
    • Tests to Diagnose Cancer
    • Cancer Prevention News
  • Treatment & Survivorship

    Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, we’re here to help. 

    • Explore Treatment & Survivorship
    • Understanding Your Diagnosis
    • Treatment & Side Effects
    • Survivorship
    • Financial & Insurance Matters
    • Children & Cancer
    • For Caregivers & Family
    • Nearing the End of Life

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    • Personal Health Manager
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  • Programs & Services

    The American Cancer Society offers programs and services to help you during and after cancer treatment. Below are some of the resources we provide. We can also help you find other free or low-cost resources available.

    • Explore Patient Programs and Services
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  • Our Research

    What does it take to outsmart cancer? Research. We’ve invested more than $5 billion in cancer research since 1946, all to find more – and better – treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve cancer patients’ quality of life.

    • Explore Our Research
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  • Get Involved

    We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers and donors. Together, we’re making a difference – and you can, too. Become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to help us save lives.

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  • About Us

    At the American Cancer Society, we’re on a mission to free the world from cancer. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. All so you can live longer — and better.

    • Explore About Us
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    MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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  • What Causes Cancer?

Radiation and Cancer Risk

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

UV Radiation

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

X-rays and Gamma Rays

When it comes to 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.

  • Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation
  • Power Lines, Electrical Devices and Extremely Low Frequency Radiation
  • Cellular (Cell) Phones
  • Cell Phone Towers
  • Smart Meters
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