Before cancer becomes a diagnosis

Know your risk.
Know your body.
Know when to act.

Cancer prevention and early detection begin long before a diagnosis.

Understand the factors that can influence your cancer risk, discover evidence-based ways to reduce that risk, learn which screenings may be right for you, and recognize changes that deserve medical attention.

Part 1Understand your risk3 topics
Part 2Reduce your risk7 topics
Part 3Know when to act4 topics
Part 4Find the right screening2 topics
Part 5Discover what’s next2 topics

Part 1 · Understand your riskTopic 1 of 18

Start with what you can know

Cancer risk is personal & not one-size-fits-all

Cancer develops through a complex interaction of genetics, biology, environment and behaviors. Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop cancer. And people without known risk factors can still develop cancer.

Understanding your risk can help you make informed decisions about prevention, screening and conversations with your healthcare provider.

What can influence cancer risk?

Your risk may be influenced by

Age and other biological factors
Tobacco and alcohol use
Diet, physical activity and body weight
Certain infections
Environmental and occupational exposures
Personal history of cancer or certain medical conditions
Family history of cancer
Inherited genetic changes

Explore cancer risk factors

Part 1 · Understand your riskTopic 2 of 18

Your family history matters

Family History & Genetic Risk

Having a relative with cancer does not necessarily mean you inherited a cancer-causing genetic change. Families can share behaviors, environments and other factors that influence cancer risk.

But certain patterns—including several relatives with related cancers, cancer occurring at unusually young ages, or multiple cancers in one person—can indicate that inherited risk may need to be considered.

A genetic counselor or healthcare professional can help you understand your family history and determine whether genetic counseling or testing may be appropriate.

Understand inherited cancer risk

Explore genetic counseling

Part 1 · Understand your riskTopic 3 of 18

Look beyond lifestyle

Environmental Risks

Not every cancer risk is within your control. Certain environmental and occupational exposures—including air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, radon, ionizing radiation and workplace carcinogens—can contribute to cancer risk.

Your level of exposure may depend on where you live, work and spend time.

Know the exposures that matter

Air pollution

Understand how pollutants in the air can affect long-term health.

UV exposure

Learn how ultraviolet radiation can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Radon

Understand this naturally occurring radioactive gas and why indoor exposure matters.

Workplace exposures

Explore how certain chemicals, dusts, radiation and other occupational hazards can affect cancer risk.

Explore environmental cancer risks

Part 2 · Reduce your riskTopic 4 of 18

Reduce your risk: focus on what you can change

Prevention starts with everyday choices

There is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer. But many cancer risks can be reduced, avoided or managed. Cancer prevention is not about making every choice perfectly. It is about understanding where evidence-based changes can support your long-term health.

WHO identifies tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, excess body weight, air pollution, UV exposure and certain infections among important cancer risk factors, while noting that a substantial proportion of cancers can be prevented through established measures.

Build habits that support lower cancer risk

Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
Stay physically active
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid tobacco
Limit or avoid alcohol
Protect your skin from excessive UV exposure
Stay up to date on recommended vaccinations
Understand environmental and occupational exposures
Know your family history and inherited risk

Download the Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Kit

Part 2 · Reduce your riskTopic 5 of 18

Food and cancer risk

Role of diet & nutrition

No single food can prevent cancer, and no single food causes cancer on its own. What matters more is the overall pattern of your diet over time. A balanced eating pattern that includes a variety of plant foods, whole grains and other nutrient-rich foods can support overall health while addressing factors associated with cancer risk.

Build a healthier pattern of eating

Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits
Choose whole grains and other high-fiber foods
Include healthy sources of protein
Limit highly processed foods
Limit processed and red meats
Limit foods and drinks high in added sugars
Keep alcohol consumption low or avoid it

Explore nutrition and cancer prevention

Part 2 · Reduce your riskTopic 6 of 18

Physical activity

Regular movement is part of cancer prevention

Physical activity supports overall health and is associated with a lower risk of several cancers. You do not have to become an athlete to get started. Walking, everyday movement and structured exercise can all contribute to a more active lifestyle.

Start where you are. Build gradually. Find activities you can sustain.

Explore physical activity and cancer

Part 2 · Reduce your riskTopic 7 of 18

Importance of healthy weight

Healthy weight is part of the bigger picture

Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer. Weight is influenced by many factors, including genetics, environment, medications, health conditions, sleep, diet and physical activity.

Cancer prevention is not about a single number on a scale. It is about supporting long-term health through sustainable habits.

Learn about weight and cancer risk

Part 2 · Reduce your riskTopic 8 of 18

One of the most preventable risks

Tobacco changes your cancer risk

Tobacco use can cause cancer in many parts of the body. Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco and other tobacco products can expose the body to cancer-causing substances.

Quitting tobacco lowers cancer risk—even for people who have used tobacco for many years.

If you use tobacco, stopping is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your cancer risk.

Learn about tobacco and cancer

Find quitting resources

Part 2 · Reduce your riskTopic 9 of 18

Alcohol & cancer: know the connection

Less alcohol can mean less cancer risk

Alcohol is linked to several types of cancer. Cancer risk generally increases as alcohol consumption increases.

Understanding the connection can help you make informed choices about how much—or whether—you drink.

Learn how alcohol affects cancer risk

Part 2 · Reduce your riskTopic 10 of 18

Prevent cancer-causing infections

Some cancers can be prevented by preventing infection

Certain infections can increase the risk of cancer. Vaccination can help prevent some of these infections before they lead to cancer-related changes.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B are two important examples. HPV vaccination can help prevent infections that can cause several cancers, while hepatitis B vaccination can help reduce the risk of chronic hepatitis B infection and associated liver cancer.

Vaccination recommendations vary by age, health history and other factors.

Learn about infections and cancer

Explore cancer prevention resources

Part 3 · Know when to actTopic 11 of 18

Pay attention to changes

Finding cancer early can change what comes next

Prevention is only part of the journey. Knowing what is normal for your body, recognizing persistent or unusual changes, and seeking medical advice when something does not seem right can help move from uncertainty toward answers.

Early detection has two important pathways: early diagnosis when symptoms or abnormal findings are present, and screening for people who do not have symptoms. WHO identifies both as components of early detection.

Part 3 · Know when to actTopic 12 of 18

Listen to what your body is telling you

Cancer Warning Signs

Many symptoms that people worry could be cancer are caused by something else. But persistent or unusual changes deserve attention—especially when they do not improve or have no clear explanation.

Possible warning signs can include

A new lump or swelling
An unexplained change in weight
Persistent or unusual pain
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Unexplained bleeding or discharge
A persistent cough or difficulty breathing
Changes in a mole or other skin lesion
Persistent difficulty swallowing
Sores that do not heal
Ongoing or unexplained fatigue
Recurrent fever or night sweats

Cancer does not always cause pain, and symptoms alone cannot tell you whether you have cancer.

If something is unusual or persists, talking with a healthcare professional is the next step. NCI similarly advises seeking medical attention when symptoms do not improve after a few weeks and notes that cancer does not always cause pain.

Explore cancer signs and symptoms

Part 3 · Know when to actTopic 13 of 18

Two ways cancer can be found early

Screening and early diagnosis are not the same

Screening looks for cancer or precancerous changes in people who do not have symptoms. It is recommended only for certain cancers and specific populations based on factors such as age and risk.

Early diagnosis begins when symptoms or abnormal findings are present. The goal is to evaluate them promptly, establish a diagnosis and connect the person with appropriate care.

A screening test is not a diagnosis. An abnormal screening result does not necessarily mean cancer is present. Additional diagnostic testing may be needed.

The journey can look like this

No symptoms
Appropriate screening
Abnormal result
Diagnostic evaluation
Diagnosis

Or

Symptoms or concerning change
Medical evaluation
Diagnostic testing
Diagnosis

One important distinction

Being up to date with screening does not mean persistent symptoms should be ignored.

And having symptoms does not mean you should wait until your next scheduled screening.

Understand the difference between screening and diagnosis

Part 3 · Know when to actTopic 14 of 18

A change is worth checking

When to See a Doctor

You do not need to know whether something is cancer before talking with a healthcare professional.

Make an appointment if you notice a new, unusual or persistent change—or if something about your health does not feel right.

You should also talk with your healthcare provider if

Symptoms persist or worsen
A screening test comes back abnormal
You have a strong family history of cancer
You know you carry an inherited cancer-related genetic change
You have previously had cancer
You have been exposed to a known cancer-causing substance
You are unsure which screenings are appropriate for you

Your next step may simply be a conversation.

A healthcare professional can assess your history, symptoms and risk factors and determine whether you need monitoring, screening, diagnostic testing or referral to a specialist.

Prepare for your doctor visit

Part 4 · Find the right screeningTopic 15 of 18

Know when to screen

Screening should match your age, risk and health history

There is no single screening schedule for everyone. Recommendations can vary based on factors such as age, personal and family history, genetic risk, previous test results and other health considerations.

Some screenings are recommended for people at average risk, while people at higher risk may need earlier or more frequent evaluation. NFCR's existing screening guidance makes this distinction and advises people with major risk factors to discuss an individualized plan with their healthcare provider.

Screening is about the right test at the right time

The goal is not to take every available test.

It is to understand which screening approaches are recommended for you, when they should begin, how often they should be repeated, and when a different approach may be appropriate.

Know the benefits—and the limits

Screening can help find some cancers before symptoms appear, but screening tests can also have limitations, including false-positive and false-negative results, overdiagnosis and other potential harms.

That is why screening decisions should consider both the potential benefits and risks of the test.

Last medically reviewed: [INSERT DATE]

View current screening guidelines

Part 4 · Find the right screeningTopic 16 of 18

Find the screening that applies to you

Different cancers require different approaches

There is no universal cancer screening test. Some cancers have established screening methods for specific populations. Others currently have no recommended routine screening for people at average risk.

Breast Cancer

Understand mammography recommendations and how age and personal risk can influence screening decisions.

Breast cancer screening

Cervical Cancer

Learn about HPV testing, Pap testing and screening for cervical precancer.

Cervical cancer screening

Colorectal Cancer

Explore stool-based tests, colonoscopy and other screening options.

Colorectal cancer screening

Lung Cancer

Learn who may benefit from low-dose CT based on age and smoking history.

Lung cancer screening

Prostate Cancer

Understand PSA testing and why screening decisions involve a discussion of potential benefits and harms.

Prostate cancer screening

Other Cancers

Explore why screening recommendations differ—and why some cancers are monitored through symptoms and risk assessment rather than routine population screening.

Explore all screening guidelines

Part 5 · Discover what’s nextTopic 17 of 18

Where science meets earlier detection

The future of finding cancer earlier

Today's screening tools include imaging, laboratory tests and procedures. At the same time, researchers are investigating new approaches that could identify cancer earlier, more accurately or with less invasive testing.

This is where prevention, detection and research come together.

Part 5 · Discover what’s nextTopic 18 of 18

From images to molecules

New tools could change how cancer is found

Researchers are exploring technologies that can identify signals associated with cancer, including:

Genetic changes
Cancer-associated proteins
Circulating tumor DNA
Circulating tumor cells
Other molecular biomarkers
Imaging changes associated with early disease
Signals that may indicate multiple cancer types

Promising research is not the same as proven screening

Emerging technologies such as liquid biopsies and multi-cancer detection tests are being studied, but many still need evidence showing that they can reliably detect cancer early and improve outcomes.

For NFCR, this distinction is important: the goal isn’t simply to find cancer earlier. It is to develop detection approaches that lead to better outcomes for patients.

NFCR’s own early-detection research focus includes developing and validating new screening tests, determining appropriate screening intervals and identifying ways to intervene earlier in cancer development.

Explore cancer detection research

Early detection resources

Your next step depends on where you are

Whether you're thinking about prevention, due for a screening, concerned about a symptom or following up on an abnormal result, the right resource can help you move forward.

Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Kit

Practical information to help you understand cancer prevention, risk reduction and early detection.

Download the free kit

Cancer Screening Guidelines

Explore screening recommendations by cancer type, age and risk.

View screening guidelines

Cancer Types

Go deeper into the risk factors, warning signs, screening, diagnosis and treatment information for specific cancers.

Explore cancer types

Newly Diagnosed With Cancer

If an abnormal finding has become a diagnosis, find information to help you understand what comes next.

Start here

For Patients & Caregivers

Find information and practical resources for navigating cancer care.

Explore patient & caregiver resources

Information you can come back to

Cancer care changes. Your questions can too.

You may not need the same information throughout your cancer experience. A question about nutrition today may become a question about fatigue tomorrow, and something that feels overwhelming during treatment may become easier to navigate with the right information and support.

This hub is designed to be something you can return to whenever a new question comes up.

Explore cancer information hub

Important information

Medical disclaimer

The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Cancer risk and screening recommendations vary based on factors such as age, personal and family history, genetic risk, symptoms and other health conditions. Talk with your healthcare provider about the prevention and screening approaches that are appropriate for you.

Screening tests are not diagnostic tests. An abnormal screening result does not necessarily mean that cancer is present, and additional diagnostic testing may be needed.

Help make earlier detection possible for everyone

Every advance in cancer prevention, screening and early detection begins with research. NFCR supports research aimed at understanding cancer risk, developing better ways to detect cancer earlier and turning scientific discoveries into meaningful advances for patients.

Your support helps fund scientists working across cancer types to turn promising discoveries into life-saving options for patients.

Prefer to speak with someone? Call us to donate — 1-800-321-CURE.

Donate Now How to Help

Know your risk.Know your body.Know when to act.