There are more than 100 different types of cancer and an estimated 1.7 million people were diagnosed in 2015. February is National Cancer Prevention Month and a good time to evaluate if you are doing all you can to lower your risk.

Risk factors vary from environmental, lifestyle choices and genetics. While some cannot be controlled, it is important to be aware of what lifestyle choices may increase the chances of developing cancer.

The use of tobacco in any form has shown an increased risk to many forms of cancer. In particular, smoking cigarettes is the leading cause to bladder, esophageal, kidney, lung, oral cancers and more.

"Currently, there are 7,000 chemicals in tobacco," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Mary Sigler, Tobacco Cessation Program manager. "Although there is only one chemical that is addictive, there are 60 chemicals in tobacco that cause cancer."

Sigler added, at any point during a patient's cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment, if they were to quit smoking, it could extend his or her life by months or even years.

Other factors that are known to raise the risk of cancer include immunosuppressive medicines, radiation, and certain infections. Immunosuppressive medicines can lower the body's ability to fight off cancer, while ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of non-melanoma skin cancers. Viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C, increase the risk for cancers of the cervix, liver and other organs.

Alcohol consumption, amount of physical activity, environmental risk factors, and diet are all contributing factors that may affect the risk for cancer -- and can be easily modified or changed.

Sigler also recommended eating a healthy diet and working out at minimum three to five times a week.

"It's important to keep your body healthy and the best way to do that is maintain a healthy weight by getting enough exercise and eating properly," Sigler said.

Environmental risk factors can be the hardest to control. Air pollution, secondhand smoke, and asbestos are all linked to lung cancer. Even drinking too much water that contains a large amount of arsenic has been linked to skin, bladder and lung cancers.

Although National Cancer Prevention Month only happens once a year, it is imperative to take care of the body year-round. Ensure to get yearly checkups and for any concerns contact a local physician.

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/.