Family History, Lifestyle, and Cancer Prevention
Cancer risk is different for everyone. Your family health history, daily habits, age, and other factors can affect your chances of developing certain cancers. You cannot control every risk factor, but understanding your risk can help you make informed choices, talk with your primary care provider, and stay up to date on preventive care.
Know Your Family Health History
Your family health history is a record of diseases and health conditions that have affected your relatives. Family members may share genes, habits, and environments that influence cancer risk.
Start by gathering information from blood relatives, including your parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and children. If possible, write down:
- Who had cancer
- The type of cancer they had
- Their age when they were diagnosed
- Whether they are still living
- Their age and cause of death, if known
It is okay if you cannot find all the details. Some information is better than none.
Some cancers can run in families. These include breast, ovarian, uterine, and colorectal cancer. Share what you learn with your primary care provider. Your provider can help you understand what your family history means for you and whether genetic counseling or testing may be appropriate.
Reduce Your Risk by Avoiding Tobacco
Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke cause most lung cancer deaths, but tobacco can also cause cancer in many other parts of the body.
Tobacco smoke, smokeless tobacco, and vaping products can contain cancer-causing chemicals. Smoking can also make it harder for your body to fight cancer.
If you use tobacco, quitting can lower your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, no matter how long you have used it. Ask your provider about resources that can help you quit.
Eat Well and Stay Active
Healthy weight, balanced diet, and regular physical activity can help lower your risk of several cancers.
Build meals around fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Choose foods such as brown rice, oats, and whole-wheat bread more often. Limit red meat and avoid processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats when possible. Cutting back on sugary drinks can also support a healthy weight.
Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Activities such as brisk walking, biking, swimming, or active yard work can count. Try to move for a few minutes every hour and include muscle-strengthening activities at least two days each week.
Small, realistic changes can make a meaningful difference over time.
Stay Up to Date on Preventive Care
Routine medical visits and cancer screenings can help find cancer early, when treatment may be more effective. Screening recommendations depend on your age, family history, and personal risk factors.
Talk with your primary care provider about which screenings are right for you and when to begin. Screening recommendations vary based on your age, health history, and personal risk. People at higher risks may need to begin screening earlier or follow a different schedule.
Other ways to lower your cancer risk include:
- Limiting alcohol
- Protecting your skin from the sun
- Getting recommended vaccines
When to Talk with Your Provider
Do not wait for your annual visit if you notice a new or persistent change in your health. Contact your provider if you notice a new or persistent symptom, learn of a strong family history of cancer, or are due for a recommended screening.
Before your appointment, write down any symptoms and gather information about your family health history. Bring a current list of prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Your provider can review this information, help you understand your risk, and recommend the next steps that are right for you.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
All facts in this article were gathered by writers employed by Berkshire Health Systems. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information for clarity and presentation. This information is fact-checked by BHS staff before being published.
Take the Next Step
Bring your family health history to your next annual visit and ask whether you are up to date on recommended cancer screenings. If you do not have a primary care provider, call the BHS Nurse Line at 855-855-2000 and choose Option 1. A Primary Care Liaison can help connect you with a Berkshire Health Systems primary care provider.