Does having a risk factor mean I will get cancer?

No. A risk factor increases a person's chances of developing cancer, but it does not mean that cancer is certain.

The National Cancer Institute explains that it is usually not possible to know exactly why one person develops cancer and another doesn't. Research has shown that certain risk factors may increase a person's chances of developing cancer. These include exposure to certain chemicals or substances, certain behaviors, and things people cannot control, such as age and family history.

Some risk factors can be avoided, while others—such as growing older—cannot. Limiting your exposure to avoidable risk factors may lower your risk of developing certain cancers.

It is also worth knowing that some findings about risk factors come from studies that cannot, on their own, prove that a behavior or substance causes cancer. This is one reason media reports can sometimes lead to wrong ideas about how cancer starts.

A healthcare team can help you understand which risk factors apply to you and what steps, if any, make sense for your situation.