Cancer Causes & Prevention
Reduce your risk factors to live a more healthful life.
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Cancer Causes & Prevention
Cancer is one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. While genetics and aging influence cancer risk, decades of scientific research have shown that environmental exposures also play an important role in the development of many cancers.
People may encounter potential carcinogens through the air they breathe, the water they drink, the food they eat, the products they use, and the places where they live and work. Scientific research continues to improve our understanding of how environmental exposures interact with genetics, lifestyle, and other factors to influence cancer risk.
For more than two decades, we have examined how environmental factors contribute to cancer risk and how science can inform prevention. Through research, education, and policy engagement, we work to increase public understanding of environmental risk factors and identify practical opportunities to reduce exposure, prevent disease, and support healthier communities.
Why It Matters
Not all cancers can be prevented, but many cancer risk factors are modifiable.
Research has linked certain environmental exposures to increased risks of specific cancers. Reducing unnecessary exposure to known or suspected carcinogens, improving environmental quality, and supporting evidence-based public health policies can help reduce risk.
Cancer prevention is a shared responsibility involving individuals, healthcare providers, researchers, employers, communities, and policymakers.
What You Should Know
Environmental Exposures Can Influence Cancer Risk
Environmental exposures are one of many factors that contribute to cancer risk. Scientists continue to study how chemicals, air pollution, radiation, occupational exposures, and other environmental factors interact with genetics and lifestyle. Learn more at these websites: NCI, IARC
Air Pollution Has Been Linked to Cancer
Outdoor air pollution and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have been associated with increased risks of lung cancer and other health effects. Learn more at these websites: WHO, IARC
Some Chemicals Are Known or Suspected Carcinogens
Scientists continue to evaluate chemicals used in industry, agriculture, and consumer products to determine whether they increase cancer risk. Examples include asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde, diesel exhaust, and certain pesticides. Learn more at these websites: NCI, NIOSH
Prevention Matters
Reducing environmental exposures is one component of comprehensive cancer prevention. Healthy lifestyles, regular medical care, vaccinations, and environmental protections all contribute to reducing cancer risk. Learn more at these websites: ACS, NCI
Our Work
EHHI has examined environmental factors associated with cancer through research, education, and policy engagement.
Areas of work have included:
- Environmental carcinogens
- Breast cancer prevention
- Air pollution
- Toxic chemicals
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals
- PFAS and emerging contaminants
- Pesticides
- Environmental policy
Through reports, educational materials, scientific reviews, and policy recommendations, we have helped increase public understanding of environmental risk factors and opportunities for cancer prevention.
Featured Resources
Please download and read these important publications.
Our Recommendations
Reducing cancer risk requires collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers, communities, businesses, and policymakers.
National Government
- Increase funding for research on environmental causes of cancer and primary prevention.
- Regularly review and update exposure limits for known and suspected carcinogens using the best available science.
- Strengthen chemical safety testing before new substances enter commerce.
- Expand nationwide monitoring of carcinogens in air, drinking water, workplaces, and consumer products.
- Increase transparency by requiring clearer public disclosure of hazardous chemicals used in products and industrial processes.
State & Provincial Government
- Expand radon education and testing programs for homes, schools, and childcare facilities.
- Strengthen indoor air quality standards in schools and public buildings.
- Improve monitoring of drinking water contaminants associated with increased cancer risk.
- Reduce public exposure to diesel exhaust and other carcinogenic air pollutants.
- Support state cancer prevention programs that incorporate environmental health.
Local Government
- Encourage smoke-free public spaces.
- Support local clean air and clean water initiatives.
- Promote smoke-free parks, playgrounds, and public spaces.
- Support community efforts to reduce air and water pollution.
- Encourage healthy school and workplace environments with good ventilation and safer cleaning products.
- Expand public education on environmental cancer prevention.
- Increase access to radon testing and environmental health information through local health departments.
Individuals
To help reduce your cancer risk factors, you can:
- Avoid tobacco products and secondhand smoke.
- Test your home for radon, especially if you live in a high-radon area.
- Follow workplace safety guidance when handling chemicals or hazardous materials.
- Reduce unnecessary exposure to pesticides, solvents, and other hazardous chemicals.
Improve indoor air quality by using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans and replacing HVAC filters regularly. - Choose glass, stainless steel, or ceramic food containers when practical instead of heating food in plastic.
- Limit unnecessary exposure to diesel exhaust and outdoor air pollution during poor air quality days.
- Eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active as part of an overall cancer prevention strategy.
- Participate in recommended cancer screening programs and discuss individual risk factors with your healthcare provider.
- Stay informed about emerging environmental health research through trusted organizations such as EHHI.
- Download our Fast Look Checklists to help reduce your cancer risk.
Current Developments
Explore these authoritative websites for the latest developments in emerging cancer research, policy developments, and environmental health issues.
- Environmental Cancer Research: Scientists continue investigating environmental contributors to cancer. Visit ScienceDirect.
- Emerging Carcinogens: Research organizations continue evaluating chemicals for carcinogenic potential. Visit Nature.
- Cancer Prevention Policies: New initiatives continue focusing on reducing exposure to known carcinogens. Visit NIH.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are microplastics?
Yes. Research has shown that some environmental exposures are associated with increased risks of certain cancers. Scientists continue to study many other environmental factors and how they interact with genetics and lifestyle. Visit NCI to learn more.
Are all cancers caused by environmental exposures?
No. Cancer is a complex disease influenced by genetics, aging, lifestyle, infections, and environmental exposures. Environmental factors are one important part of the overall picture. Visit NCI to learn more.
What are carcinogens?
Carcinogens are substances, mixtures, or exposures that have been shown to increase the risk of cancer. Visit ACS to learn more.
Can individuals reduce environmental cancer risks?
While not every cancer can be prevented, reducing exposure to known environmental hazards, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and following evidence-based public health recommendations can help lower risk. Visit ACS to learn more.
Download our Fast Look Checklist for reducing your cancer risk factors.