Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled, such as smoking, and some cannot be controlled, such as age and family history. Although risk factors can influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and communicating them to your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health-care choices.

The cause of appendix cancer is unknown, and no avoidable risk factors have been identified. The following factor may raise a person’s risk of developing appendix cancer:

Age. For a carcinoid tumor of the appendix, the average age at diagnosis is approximately 40. Carcinoid tumors are rare in children.