According to the Huffington Post and cancer care centers around the world, 12.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year, and roughly 7.6 million people lose their lives to cancer each year as well. While many people get cancer because of things completely beyond their control, it is still possible to lower your risk by avoiding some of these factors, as 30% to 40% of cancer deaths can be prevented.

Alcohol

Light to moderate consumption of alcohol is not linked to a higher cancer risk, but heavy alcohol consumption is. Oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, and breast cancers can all be caused by heavy alcohol drinking. You can lower your risk of these types of cancers by limiting your alcohol consumption.

Tobacco

Tobacco consumption is the single largest contributor to cancer deaths. From 1991 to 2003, reduced tobacco usage resulted in a reduction of cancer deaths in men by at least 40%. Even if you yourself don’t smoke, secondhand smoke can still be a risk factor. Avoid both of these as much as you can.

Infections

After tobacco, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are great risk factors for cancer. These infections can be prevented with the use of safe injection practices, immunizations, and screenings. These risks are more prevalent in lower income countries.

Poor Diet

Roughly 30% of cancer in humans is probably related to diet and nutrition. Obesity is a risk factor for cancers like breast, colorectal, endometrial, kidney, esophageal, and pancreatic. Weight, diet, and body fat all contribute to the risk of these cancers.

Occupational Carcinogens

The International Labor Organization estimates that roughly two million deaths per year occur because of workplace exposures to carcinogens. Mesothelioma, sinonasal, lung, nasopharynx, breast, non-melanoma skin cancer, bladder, esophagus, soft tissue sarcoma, and stomach cancers are among the common types of cancers caused by workplace carcinogens.

Roughly 47% of sudden cardiac deaths occur outside of hospitals. This suggests that many people with heart disease are not acting on early warning signs. The same goes for people with cancer. You don’t want to ignore these potential carcinogens as dangerous. These are all cancer-causing risk factors that you can avoid. If you are exposed to any of these, make sure to visit cancer care centers, as early detection is the best way to save your life.