What is a risk factor? 

A risk factor is anything that may increase your chance of having a disease. Risk factors for a certain type of cancer might include smoking, diet, family health history, or other things. The exact cause of someone’s cancer may not be known. But risk factors can make it more likely for a person to have cancer.

Things you should know about risk factors for cancer:

• Risk factors can increase a person's risk, but they may not cause the disease.

• Some people with 1 or more risk factors never develop cancer. Other people can develop cancer and have no risk factors.

• Some risk factors are very well known. But there is ongoing research about risk factors for many types of cancer.

Some risk factors, such as family health history, may not be in your control. But others may be things you can change. Knowing the risk factors can help you make choices that might lower your risk. For example, if an unhealthy diet is a risk factor, you may choose to eat healthy foods. If excess weight is a risk factor, your healthcare provider may check your weight or help you lose weight.

Who is at risk for urethral cancer?

You may be at higher risk for urethral cancer if you have any of these:

• Chronic irritation of the urinary tract from repeat urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Urethral diverticulum in people born with a uterus

• Urethral stricture in people born with a penis

• Other cancers of the urinary tract, such as bladder cancer

• History of radiation therapy in the pelvic area

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

• History of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Talking with your healthcare provider

Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors for urethral cancer. They can help you look at ways to reduce your risk.