Causes and Risk Factors
Whilst the exact causes of all cancers are unknown, we do know that most cancers have a unique set of risk factors that are responsible for their onset. A risk factor is an attribute, such as a habit (eg. cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol) or particular exposure to something (eg. ultraviolet light). Risk factors increase a person's likelihood of developing cancer. Some risk factors, such as diet or smoking, can be monitored and controlled, whilst other risk factors, such as age or race, cannot be controlled or altered.
