Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear.
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Select the Live Chat button at the bottom of the page
Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through online chat. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:
- Referrals to patient-related programs or resources
- Donations, website, or event-related assistance
- Tobacco-related topics
- Volunteer opportunities
- Cancer Information
For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.
How Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors Affect Cancer Incidence and Mortality
Contemporary information on the portion of cancers that could potentially be prevented is useful for setting priorities for cancer prevention and control programs.
Our Research Focus
Researchers at the ACS Cancer Disparity Research team estimate the proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths in the United States, nationally and at the state level (overall and by specific cancer type) that are attributable to major, potentially modifiable factors that can cause cancer. These modifiable risk factors include:
- Smoking cigarettes
- Being exposed to secondhand smoke
- Overweight and obesity
- Drinking alcohol
- Eating red or processed meat, or both
- Not eating the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables
- Not consuming foods with the recommended amounts of dietary fiber and calcium
- Not taking part in the recommended amount of physical activity
- Exposing yourself to too much ultraviolet radiation, such as from excessive sun exposure and indoor tanning
- Not taking precautionary measures to protect against cancer-associated infections