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What causes cancer
For many years research has looked at what might cause cancer. We know now that ultraviolet light (in sunlight), some viruses, cigarette smoke, some drugs and chemicals can lead to cancer. But we still do not know why many cancers develop.
Some cancers run in families, but most do not.
Recent research has identified some genes that lead to an increased risk of breast cancer. Some inherited conditions make people more likely to get particular cancers. If you belong to a family with an increased risk, your doctor will discuss with you any regular tests you need to have.
There is not a single cause of cancer – many different factors combine when cancer develops.
How can I reduce my risk of cancer? more...
 If you smoke, quit. Call the Quitline 13 7848. Eat well – go for 5 serves of vegies and 2 of fruit every day. Get some exercise – aim for 30-60 minutes every day. Stay at healthy weight. If you are overweight, try to lose weight. Protect yourself from the sun. Limit or avoid alcohol.Cancer myths
Cancer is contagious You cannot catch cancer from someone else. While some viral infections, like Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Hepatitis are linked with certain types of cancer, they only increase the risk of developing that cancer. Stress causes cancer.
Research has not shown any link between stress and cancer. But being stressed may make you feel unwell and affect your recovery from illness. Cancer can be caused by an injury or blow to the body. There is no evidence that this is so. However, if you have been hurt somewhere on your body, you may be more aware of that area, or need treatment, and so a cancer that was already there is found. Cancer is always fatal.
Many cancers can now be cured. Others can be treated well so that you can continue to live for many years. Cancer is a punishment for something you have done wrong.
This is definitely not true. Talking, reading or thinking about cancer will not make you get cancer either. Top 10 cancer myths - results of research from the American Cancer Society
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