One thing I think it’s important to understand about genetic “risk factors” is that they are not determinants. They are potentials. What determines whether an increased risk factor — genetic or otherwise — turns into actual cancer is what you personally do with the knowledge of the risk factor.

If you learn that your risk profile is elevated, will you modify your diet, quit smoking, exercise more? Or will you bury your head in the sand, deny the science, feel like it’s hopeless and that there’s nothing you can do? And here’s the kicker: the way you answer this question *also* affects your risk profile.

In other words, your destiny is not determined by genetics, not even close. The scientific consensus is that genetic risk factors constitute only 5% of your total risk. Over 75% of your risk comes from the choices you make in your daily life (with environment making up the rest).

I encourage everyone to find out their family history. Why? Because our genes are not the only things we inherit. We also inherit our beliefs and practices around food, exercise, smoking and more. If there is a history of cancer in your family, this is an opportunity for you to break that cycle by examining these non-genetic inheritances, and consciously making the choice to listen to the science, change your behavior, and increase your lifespan, your overall health and your happiness.