Cancer results when cells grow out of control and form a tumor. The cancer is very serious if
the tumor begins to spread (metastasize) throughout the body.
There are many different types of cancer. They are named based on where the tumor is located, or where
it first started growing in the body. The most common forms of cancer are colon, breast, and prostate cancer.
Normally, the body makes new cells only when they are needed. This cell growth is controlled by a group
of genes that all work together. When one or more of these genes is damaged (mutated), cancer results.
Too many cells are produced, and the excess cells clump together to form a tumor.
Damage to these growth control genes usually happens spontaneously in only a few cells of the body.
That's why the tumor is typically found (or at least begins) in just one spot. But genes can also be
mutated by bad chemicals in a person's environment, like tobacco smoke.
Most people who develop cancer have no family history of the disease. But if cancer does run in your family,
you may be at risk. So it's important to know your family medical history.
You may be at risk if you have a close relative (grandparent, parent, or sibling) that developed one of the
more common forms of cancer (colon, breast, or prostate). Your risk increases if the relative developed the
cancer at an early age (typically before age 50-55), or if more than one close relative developed the same cancer.
Although cancer is caused by damage to specific genes, the frequency and the consequence of that damage can be largely affected by several lifestyle choices within your control. Risk factors that involve lifestyle choices will differ slightly for each type of cancer. But here are some general guidelines to follow:
lung cancer.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Maintain a healthy body weight, avoiding obesity.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a diet that is high in fiber, e.g. fruits and vegetables.
• Perform regular self-examinations, and see your doctor for
periodic screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies, etc.).
• Know if the common cancers run in your family, and discuss
this information with your doctor.
Fiber fights colon cancer, yet the average American barely consumes half of the recommended 20-35 grams of fiber per day.
Utah Department of Health Cancer Control Program
Susan G. Komen Foundation (breast cancer)
If You haven't done so already, visit the
Health Family Tree website to:
1. Complete a family health history
2. Identify illnesses that run in your family
3. Calculate your individual risk of developing these illnesses
4. Learn what you and your family can do to stay healthy