Cancer Risk Factors: What You Can Change (and What You Can’t)

When discussing cancer risk, it is important to remember one crucial truth: risk is not a guarantee. Having a risk factor does not mean a diagnosis is inevitable, just as having no obvious risks does not mean absolute immunity.

Understanding your risk simply means knowing where you stand. Broadly speaking, these factors fall into two categories: the things we can't change, and the things we can.

Some elements of cancer risk are simply hardwired into our biology and lives, such as our age, family history, inherited genetic conditions, and personal health backgrounds. While we cannot rewrite our DNA or stop the clock, being aware of these unchangeable factors is incredibly empowering. It gives us the foresight to make smarter decisions about medical screenings, schedule regular check-ups, and know exactly when to seek professional medical advice.

On the other hand, there are lifestyle choices we can actively modify. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly a quarter of all cancer deaths are linked to modifiable habits, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, a high body mass index (BMI), low fruit and vegetable intake and a lack of physical activity.

The encouraging news? The WHO highlights that approximately 38% of cancers are preventable simply by avoiding these risks and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies. (World Health Organization, 2026)  

In Malaysia, the focus on proactive health is one of the cornerstones of the National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme 2021–2025. The Ministry of Health points out a critical hurdle in modern healthcare: the real challenge isn't just educating the public about cancer risks, but bridging the gap between knowing and doing. It is about helping people translate awareness into daily practice and positive, health-seeking behaviours. (Ministry of Health Malaysia, 2021)

One way to help us better adopt prevention is to stop looking at it as a massive, intimidating lifestyle overhaul. It is much more effective to start small with realistic choices, such as gradually increasing daily physical activity or reducing the intake of red meat and processed foods. By building these realistic, sustainable habits into our routines, we can protect our long-term health without feeling overwhelmed.

Another vital way to bridge the gap is by staying proactive with routine screenings and early detection practices. For instance, colorectal cancer screening is generally recommended starting from age 50, which can be as simple as doing a convenient and cost-effective immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT). Similarly, for breast cancer, scheduling a mammogram is another essential screening step that can make a big difference in catching changes early.

Cancer is undeniably complex, and not every case can be prevented. However, understanding our risk factors gives us a clear roadmap. It shows us what we can actively change, keeps us vigilant about what we cannot, and ultimately allows us to take better care of ourselves and the people we love.

Reference

1. World Health Organization. (2026). Cancer detail and fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
   
   
2. Ministry of Health Malaysia. (2021). National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme 2021–2025.