1.2 Risk factors
As the primary cancer site is not known for people with CUP, it is difficult to identify risk factors. Evaluating risk is also challenging because of non-uniformity between CUP cases. CUP and advanced cancer research indicates the following factors may increase a person’s risk of developing CUP (AIHW 2018, Brewster et al. 2014, Kaaks et al. 2014, Luke et al. 2008, Urban et al. 2013):
- increasing age
- male gender
- family history of cancer
- smoking
- excessive alcohol consumption
- excess body fat
- inadequate physical activity
- living in areas of lower socioeconomic status
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background
- infrequent general practice consultations.