Modifiable versus non-modifiable risk factors

What it is

Risk factors can be non-modifiable (such as age, sex, and inherited genetics — which cannot be changed) or modifiable (such as smoking or diet — which a person could potentially change). For gliomas, the established risk factors are largely non-modifiable, and there are few if any clearly modifiable risk factors.

Understanding Modifiable versus non-modifiable risk factors

For some cancers, modifiable risk factors (like smoking or sun exposure) offer clear opportunities for prevention. Gliomas are different: their established risk factors — age, certain inherited syndromes, and prior therapeutic radiation — are largely non-modifiable, and no lifestyle factor has been proven to cause (or, conversely, to prevent) gliomas. This means there is no established way for an individual to lower their glioma risk through lifestyle changes, which can be both clarifying and, for some, reassuring (since it underscores that a glioma is generally not the result of preventable choices). General healthy habits remain worthwhile for overall health and during cancer treatment, but not as a proven glioma-prevention strategy. Understanding modifiable versus non-modifiable risk clarifies that gliomas have few if any clearly modifiable risk factors.

Why it matters

Understanding modifiable versus non-modifiable risk helps patients and families see that gliomas, unlike some cancers, have few if any clearly modifiable risk factors — so there is usually no lifestyle change that would have prevented one.