Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Factor de riesgo
Risk factor ( FAK-ter)
Something that
increases the chance of developing a disease. Some examples
of risk factors for cancer are age, a family history of
certain cancers, use of tobacco products, being exposed to
radiation or certain chemicals, infection with certain
viruses or bacteria, and certain genetic
changes.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.