From the CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. Smoking causes 80 to 90 percent of cases of lung cancer. Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, and increases the risk for many other types of cancer. People who smoke are 10 to 20 times more likely to get or die from lung cancer than people who don’t smoke. The longer a person smokes and the more cigarettes smoked each day, the higher the risk.
For help quitting smoking, call toll-free 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit smokefree.gov.
Secondhand Smoke
Smoke from other people’s cigarettes (secondhand smoke) causes lung cancer as well. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, more than 50 of which cause cancer in people or animals.
Every year, about 3,000 nonsmokers die from lung cancer due to secondhand smoke.
Learn more about lung cancer.
From the CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
Gynecologic cancers start in a woman’s reproductive organs. The five main types of gynecologic cancer are cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer.
Each gynecologic cancer has different symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies. All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and risk increases with age. When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective.
Pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you. If you notice any unexplained symptoms, talk to your doctor right away.
Prevention and Screening
Some gynecologic cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. A vaccine protects against the HPV types that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. It’s recommended for 11- and 12-year-old girls.
Of all the gynecologic cancers, only cervical cancer has a screening test—the Pap test—that can find this cancer early. It is especially important to recognize warning signs, and learn if there are things you can do to reduce your risk. If you have a low income or don’t have health insurance, you may qualify for a free or low-cost Pap test through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
Learn more about gynecologic cancers.
From the CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Men have a greater chance of getting prostate cancer if they’re 50 years old or older, are African-American, or have a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer.
Screening
Currently, there is not enough credible evidence to decide if the potential benefit of prostate cancer screening outweighs the potential risks. The potential benefit of prostate cancer screening is finding cancer early, which may make treatment more effective. Potential risks of screening include false positive test results (the test says you have cancer when you don’t), treatment of prostate cancers that may never affect your health, and side effects from treatment.
Informed Decision Making
Is prostate cancer screening right for you? Talk to your doctor to learn the nature and risk of prostate cancer and the benefits and risks of the screening tests. Then make a decision consistent with your preferences and values.
Learn more about prostate cancer.
From the CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
Reduce your children’s risk of getting many types of cancer later in life. Start by helping them adopt a healthy lifestyle with good eating habits and plenty of exercise to keep a healthy weight. Then follow the tips below to help prevent specific types of cancer.
Sun Safety
A few serious sunburns can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. To protect yourself and your family, seek shade, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing, use sunscreen, and avoid tanning beds.
HPV Vaccines
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines can protect women against the types of HPV that cause most cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. They’re recommended for 11- and 12-year-old girls, and for females 13–26 years old who didn’t get all of the shots when they were younger.
Lung Cancer
The best way to prevent lung cancer is not to start smoking, or quit if you smoke. It’s important to prevent adolescents from starting to smoke. Talk to your children about why you don’t want them to smoke, and don’t expose them to secondhand smoke.
Learn more about reducing children’s cancer risk.
From the CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
Every year, cancer claims the lives of nearly 300,000 men in America. Men can reduce their risk for some of the most common types of cancer.
Lung Cancer
More men in the U.S. die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to quit smoking or not start smoking, and avoid secondhand smoke.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in men. While all men are at risk for prostate cancer, some factors increase risk. These include older age, a family history of prostate cancer, and being African American. Talk to your doctor about getting screened for prostate cancer.
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
The third leading cause of cancer deaths in American men is colorectal cancer. Screening is recommended for both men and women beginning at age 50. Screening tests for colorectal cancer can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Learn more about cancer and men.
