NICK WALKER / Scroll

One of the most common genetically inherited cancers is breast cancer. Approximately 10 percent of all breast cancer cases are the result of inherited genetic mutations, according to the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.

With genetics contributing to a greater risk of cancer, it is intimidating for Hathaway to think about.

“It definitely scares me because five or six of my dad’s relatives and about five of my mom’s relatives have had cancer, and more cases are showing up. A teacher told us God gave us life, and he can take it away. I like to look at it like that,” Hathaway said.

However, genetics are not the only factor affecting one’s risk of cancer.

Recently released studies have presented a few new risk factors for cancer. Knowing these factors and avoiding them may help those with and without a family history in the fight against cancer.

A study presented on Newsweek.com Nov. 13 showed a significant connection between consumption of red meat and breast cancer. Women who ate more than one and a half servings of red meat per day were twice as likely to develop hormone-related breast cancer than women who only had three to four servings per week.

This study only took into account meat intake during adulthood. Increasingly, studies are looking at adolescent lifestyles, when breast cells are rapidly dividing and are more susceptible to problems.

Breasts are not the only anatomy susceptible to the adverse effects of red meat: your colon may also be under siege.

Recently, a study was conducted by the American Cancer Society, following 148,610 men and women. The participants recorded their meat consumption in 1982 and then in 1992. Those with a high meat intake were 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop colon or rectal cancer than those with a low intake.

There were slightly higher risks shown for those with a high intake of processed meats, such as bologna.

“The results should be put into perspective: smoking, obesity and inactivity are still thought to be more strongly linked with colon cancer than eating lots of red meat,” said Dr. Michael Thun, co-author of the study.

With so many factors influencing the risks of cancer, lifestyle changes in general may be the best way to reduce one’s risk.

“Studies keep coming out proving that everything causes cancer. I think that obeying the word of wisdom is about all you can do to prevent it. If you then get cancer, there was not too much more you could have done,” said Ashley Matthews, a sophomore from DeRidder, La.