It is not possible to say what causes cancer of unknown primary in a single person. We do know there are some features that are more common in people who develop cancer of unknown primary. These features are called ”risk factors”.
But it is usually hard to be sure whether a risk factor contributed to the development of the cancer. And having one or more risk factors does not mean that someone will develop this cancer. In fact, many people with cancer of unknown primary have no obvious risk factors.
Risk factors for cancer of the unknown primary that can be changed:
Risk factors for cancer of the unknown primary that can’t be changed
- getting older
- family history.
If you have any of these risk factors or you’re worried about your risk for cancer, yarn with your doctor, nurse, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker.