Cancer Risk Factors and Pathology
There are risk factors:
Age
Some types of cancer are more likely to afflict certain age groups. In general, the risk for cancer increases with age. For example, the average age for a breast cancer diagnosis is 61, prostate cancer at 66, and 70 for lung cancer. This does not mean that young people are immune, however. Everyone should be on the lookout for cancer and receive screenings at recommended intervals
Family History
The large majority of cancers have a hereditary component. Having a relative with cancer typically increases one’s chance of a similar cancer diagnosis. This is particularly true for cancers such as breast and colorectal cancer
Obesity And Poor Diet
There appears to be a strong link between obesity and the risk of developing cancer. The same can be said for diet. A diet rich in fat and carbohydrates may lead to a higher risk of cancer.
Tobacco Use
There is no doubt that smoking contributes heavily to lung cancer. The good news is that ceasing tobacco use will reduce the chance of developing lung cancer in the future. Smokeless tobacco is not a good alternative to smoking as it can cause oral and esophageal cancers.
Personal Medical History:
Certain inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s colitis, can put a person at increased risk of a cancer diagnosis in the future. Individuals with such diseases should be monitored closely for signs of cancer. Other personal medical factors, such as infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), may also lead to a higher cancer risk.
Director

Related Doctors

Dr. Ofer Margalit completed M.D. degree, as part of an M.D.-


Specializing in breast cancer treatment, Dr. Tal Shapira-Rot

Dr. Meital Levartovsky is a senior oncologist in GU Unit at

Dr. Moran Gadot is a senior oncologist in GU unit at the Can
Request a consultation
Sheba Medical Center provides innovative, personalized medical care to patients from around the world. We are the largest, most comprehensive hospital in the Middle East and dedicated to providing advanced and compassionate medicine for everyone.
We welcome all cases, including the rarest and the most challenging. Our medical teams collaborate to provide the best possible health outcomes. From your initial inquiry through the long-term follow-up care, we are here for you.
Request a consultation and a Sheba Case Manager will contact you shortly: