factors

Factors of cancer

Many of these risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family history, cannot be avoided. People can help protect themselves by staying away from known risk factors whenever possible.

If you think you may be at risk for cancer, you should discuss this concern with your doctor. You may want to ask about reducing your risk and about a schedule for checkups.

Over time, several factors may act together to cause normal cells to become cancerous. When thinking about your risk of getting cancer, these are some things to keep in mind:

• Not everything causes cancer.



• Cancer is not caused by an injury, such as a bump or bruise.



• Cancer is not contagious. Although being infected with certain viruses or bacteria may increase the risk of some types of cancer, no one can "catch" cancer from another person.



• Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will get cancer. Most people who have risk factors never develop cancer.



• Some people are more sensitive than others to the known risk factors.

The sections below have more detailed information about the most common risk factors for cancer. You also may want to read the NCI booklet Cancer and the Environment.

Read more »

Fatcs

Cancer Factors

octors often cannot explain why one person develops cancer and another does not. But research shows that certain risk factors increase the chance that a person will develop cancer. These are the most common risk factors for cancer:

• Growing older



• Tobacco



• Sunlight



• Ionizing radiation



• Certain chemicals and other substances



• Some viruses and bacteria



• Certain hormones



• Family history of cancer



• Alcohol



• Poor diet, lack of physical activity, or being overweight

Read more »

Accreditation of cancer

Accreditation and Affiliation
Our cancer program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Radiology, a distinction that means we meet high standards for access to care, technology, multidisciplinary care, information and education. Cape Cod Healthcare is affiliated with distinguished cancer treatment centers including Dana-Farber/Partners CancerCare, and the adult oncology collaboration among Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition, we are affiliated with Women & Infants Hospital, Boston Medical Center and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). These affiliations enable us to offer the most current cancer protocols available and to participate in clinical trials for new treatments.

A regional leader in cancer care
Cape Cod Healthcare Cancer Services provides a complete range of advanced cancer treatment options, highly trained specialists, and top-notch facilities. Our multidisciplinary approach brings together medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, radiology, pathology and nursing to analyze and consult on cancer cases. Our investment in imaging technology gives us the ability to provide accurate and early diagnosis and staging.

Read more »