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.

Since CUP can be almost any type of primary cancer, the risk factors for all types of cancer are relevant. The following factors can raise a person’s risk of developing CUP:

• Age, as the average age of a person diagnosed with CUP is 60
  
  
• Tobacco use, including cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco, and cigar smoking
  
  
• Extended exposure to the sun
  
  
• Exposure to large amounts of radiation
  
  
• Exposure to chemicals in some manufacturing industries
  
  
• Poor nutrition
  
  
• Lack of exercise
  
  
• Family history (Specifically, if more than one brother, sister, parent, or grandparent has had breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancer, the risk of cancer increases.)