Welcome to Cancer Support

What Causes Cancer?

Cancer is a complex group of diseases with many possible causes. In this section you can learn more about the known causes of cancer, including genetic factors; lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, diet, and physical activity; certain types of infections; and environmental exposures to different types of chemicals and radiation.

Genetics and Cancer
Some types of cancer run in certain families, but most cancers are not clearly linked to the genes we inherit from our parents. In this section you can learn more about the complex links between genes and cancer, as well as genetic testing and how it is used.

Tobacco and Cancer
Get the information on cigarette, cigar, and smokeless tobacco use, and learn how it affects different groups of people.


Diet and Physical Activity
Get the facts on how diet, physical activity, excess body weight, and alcohol use may affect your risk of cancer.