Doctors outline six immediate steps to lower cancer risk, even with a family history

Doctors and cancer specialists say that people with a family history of cancer can take concrete steps now to reduce their chances of developing the disease, even though inherited genetic changes increase risk for some families.

While genetic factors can play a role, experts stress they are not the sole determinant of cancer risk. The National Cancer Institute estimates as many as 10% of cancers may result from inherited genetic changes, and certain inherited mutations — notably BRCA1 and BRCA2 — raise the chances of breast and ovarian cancer. Dr. Helen Messier, a physician‑scientist who studies genomics and cancer prevention, told the Daily Mail that a close relative's diagnosis is more meaningful for individual risk than more distant family cases. "Having one cousin who was diagnosed has little genetic influence on your own risk," she said, "but having several aunts or uncles with cancer — particularly the same cancer — can be significant."

Physicians recommend six areas of action that can be started immediately to lower cancer risk. First, quit smoking and avoid tobacco smoke. Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of cancer worldwide; cessation reduces the risk of lung and other cancers and improves outcomes for those undergoing treatment.

Second, maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active. Studies have linked overweight and obesity with increased risk for several cancers, including colorectal, breast (postmenopausal), endometrial and pancreatic cancers. Regular physical activity is associated with lower risk and contributes to weight control and overall health.

Third, limit alcohol intake. Alcohol consumption is associated with higher risks of cancers such as those of the breast, liver, mouth and throat. Health authorities generally advise that reducing or avoiding alcohol lowers cancer risk.

Fourth, choose a diet focused on whole foods and reduced processed and red meats. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, and lower in processed foods and excess red or cured meats, is tied to lower cancer risk in epidemiological studies and is recommended as part of preventive strategies.

Fifth, follow recommended screening guidelines and discuss genetic counseling and testing when family history suggests elevated risk. Regular screening for cancers such as breast, cervical and colorectal cancer can identify disease early when treatment is most effective. For people with multiple close relatives affected by the same cancer or with patterns suggestive of hereditary syndromes, clinicians recommend referral for genetic counseling to evaluate whether testing for mutations such as BRCA1/2 or others is appropriate.

Sixth, use available vaccines and protect skin from ultraviolet radiation. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) prevents infections that cause cervical and other cancers; hepatitis B vaccination reduces liver cancer risk. Protecting skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning lowers melanoma and other skin cancer risks.

Experts emphasize that these measures are complementary rather than mutually exclusive. Lifestyle changes can lower baseline risk, while screening and targeted prevention help detect precancerous changes or early cancers in time for more effective treatment. The degree to which inherited genetics influence an individual’s risk varies by the type of cancer and the closeness of affected relatives, physicians say.

Health systems and primary care providers play a role in translating these recommendations into practice by identifying patients with significant family histories, offering or referring for genetic counseling, and ensuring access to screening and vaccination. Clinicians also weigh individual circumstances — including age, medical history and known genetic results — when advising on screening frequency and preventive measures.

While inherited mutations can markedly increase risk in some families, they account for a minority of cancers overall. Public health experts and clinicians encourage people with and without family histories to adopt evidence‑based prevention strategies, discuss personal risk with their health care providers and participate in recommended screening programs.

For those concerned about family history, specialists advise compiling a detailed family health record — noting cancers, ages at diagnosis and relationships — and bringing that information to medical visits. Genetic counselors can interpret family patterns, recommend whether testing is warranted and guide preventive options for individuals found to carry pathogenic variants.

The combined approach of lifestyle modification, vaccination, regular screening and targeted genetic evaluation forms the basis of current clinical guidance for reducing cancer risk across populations and for people with elevated familial risk.