Top 2 Cancer-Causing Health Habits: Prevention & Risk

* Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes is the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths in the United States. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. These chemicals can damage the DNA in cells, leading to mutations that can cause cancer.

* Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of several types of cancer, including liver cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancer. Alcohol can damage cells in the body and interfere with the DNA repair process. It can also increase the levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen, which can promote the growth of some types of cancer.