Sometimes cancer cannot be prevented because it is associated with an inherited trait, which means that a certain genetic mutation is passed down from generation to generation. About 10 percent of all cancers are linked to heredity. Some genetic tests are available to identify individuals who are more likely to develop certain cancers, and scientists are continuing to develop such tests.

Advanced age, another common cancer risk factor, also cannot be prevented. Additionally, some forms of cancer, such as breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer, may result from prolonged hormone production in the body (e.g., early menarche and late menopause) that cannot be regulated. 

Individuals with these and other increased cancer risks can, however, help prevent the development of cancer through regular self-examination and screenings. Physicians may recommend a more frequent cancer screening schedule or more detailed tests for high-risk individuals.

Regular cancer screenings can help detect precancers or cancers in their beginning stages, when they are most easily treated. Skin, oral, cervical and prostate cancers are examples of cancers that may be detected in precancerous stages. Identifying and treating cancers in these stages significantly increases a person’s chance of survival.

Cancer screenings should include the mouth, skin, and colon and rectum.  Cancers in men that may be detected in self-examination or screening tests include prostate, penile, and testicular cancers.

In women, regular breast self-examinations may help to detect any changes that could indicate the need for medical attention. In addition, women should receive regular gynecological examinations including a Pap test to detect abnormalities of the cervix and mammograms for breast cancer detection.

For the first time, a general vaccine is available to prevent a type of cancer. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first vaccine against several strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes most cases of cervical cancer and may be associated with some oral cancers. Normally, people may be infected with HPV during sexual contact, and the virus clears on its own. In some cases, it may contribute to cancer. The HPV vaccine prevents the virus from developing. The vaccine is approved for girls and women ages 9 to 26. Women who have received the vaccine should still receive regular Pap smears to monitor for HPV strains not covered by the vaccine.