Cancer is one of the major threats to public health in the developed world and increasingly in the developing world. Many cancers can be prevented by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and having a balanced diet. Our objective was to determine the role of genetics and social habits that would lead to cancer. The study was conducted for a period of 6 months, in certain wards of Eraviperoor grama panchayat, Kerala. Our study was a prospective observational study with a total study population of 300. The study population was selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was collected by means of face to face interviews. Our study analysis showed that the primary signs and symptoms of lung, stomach, mouth and skin cancer were associated with smoking and drinking. Ever increasing use of alcohol and tobacco were seen generally in the population. It was also observed that genetics had a strong association with incidence of primary signs of cancer. Our study suggests that methods to improve the awareness of increasing incidence of cancer along with programmes to increase public awareness of harmful etiologic factors such as smoking and alcohol, could lead to reduction of incidence and thus reduce the resulting harmful consequences.