Environmental Factors (UV Exposure, Radon, Radiation)

Cancer risk is affected by a number of things in our environment, including ultraviolet light, radiation, radon and occupational exposures.

CT Scans May Increase Cancer Risk Is it really an issue? Recent news reports are based on a new publication in the New England Journal of Medicine. Let’s take a look at that report. CT scans (also called computed tomography scans) have been in use since the 1970s. The rate...
Cancer Risks Related to Occupational Exposures Certain occupational exposures are known to increase cancer risk. These include hydrocarbons, heavy metals, mustard gas and chemicals used in leather, rubber and woodworking industries.
Accidental Radiation Exposure Information on exposure to radiation from an accident or atomic bomb.
Radiation Exposure in the Workplace Information for people in professions that may be at increased risk for cancer due to occupational radiation exposure, including medical radiologic technicians, aircrews, radium dial luminisers, underground hard-rock miners, Chernobyl clean-up workers, nuclear weapons test participants, and nuclear industry workers.
Sun Exposure and Cancer Risk Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, either by natural sunlight or tanning beds, can lead to skin cancer. Learn about sun safety and checking your skin to detect problems early.
Sun Safety: Being sun-smart is being cancer-smart! Sun (UVA and UVB rays) exposure can predispose to all types of skin cancers (melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell cancers). Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but being "sun smart" can reduce your risk.
Medical Testing Using Radiation and Cancer Risk There has been much talk in the media about the risk of developing cancer due to radiation exposure from radiology tests. While there have not been studies following people over time to assess for cancer risk, there are studies on the amount of radiation received in these tests.
Dark Skinned Individuals and Skin Cancer Risk Brown skinned individuals, including black, Asian, Latino and Native Americans, often have a false sense of security when it comes to skin cancer risk. While it is true that darker skinned individuals have a lower risk of skin cancer, they are not immune.
Could Radon Lurking in Your Basement Cause Lung Cancer? Most people are aware that smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. However, you may not know that the second leading cause of lung cancer – radon - may be lurking, undetected, in your basement.
Tanning Beds Are NOT a Safe Alternative to “Sunbathing”! Many people turn to tanning booths to get a quick tan, but this practice has led to an epidemic of skin cancer in young people. Get the facts!
Asbestos and Cancer Risk "Asbestos" refers to a group of minerals that are made up of thin fibers. Asbestos fibers remain in the lungs for a long time, causing inflammation, which can develop into cancer.