Reduce Your Cancer Risk

When you toast to your health,
don't overdo it.

While moderate amounts of alcohol have been shown to decrease the risk of coronary heart disease, the American Cancer Society (ACS) says that cancer risk increases with more than two drinks a day. Studies also show an association between alcohol use and an increase in breast cancer risk. Women at high risk for breast cancer should consider not drinking at all, the ACS says.

Smoking also plays a major role in cancer. The American Lung Association estimates that smoking causes 87 percent of all lung cancer cases. The carcinogens in smoke get absorbed in the blood, carrying them to other parts of the body where other forms of cancer also are triggered. Secondhand smoke also poses cancer risks to everyone exposed.