Evidence-based facts about reducing risk — without fear or exaggeration.
- Around 4 in 10 UK cancer cases are preventable.
Healthy changes can reduce risk, although no lifestyle can guarantee that someone will never develop cancer.
- Not smoking is one of the most important things you can do.
Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of cancer in the UK.
- Keeping a healthy weight matters.
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of at least 13 different types of cancer.
- Alcohol increases cancer risk.
Alcohol is known to cause at least 7 types of cancer, including breast and bowel cancer. For cancer risk, less is better.
- Processed meat increases bowel cancer risk.
Bacon, sausages, ham and other processed meats are classified as carcinogenic to humans. That does not mean they are as dangerous as smoking.
- Being physically active helps reduce cancer risk.
Regular activity is linked with a lower risk of several cancers and also brings major benefits for your heart, bones, mood and overall health.
- Fibre and plant foods matter.
A diet containing plenty of wholegrains, vegetables, fruit and beans is recommended for cancer prevention. Higher fibre intake helps reduce bowel cancer risk.
- Protecting your skin from too much UV exposure matters.
Sunburn and excessive UV exposure increase skin-cancer risk. Shade, clothing and appropriate sunscreen all help.
- There is no magic anti-cancer food or supplement.
Cancer prevention is about your overall pattern of health and lifestyle — not one vitamin, tea, spice or supplement.
MOST IMPORTANTLY
Cancer is complicated. People who live very healthy lives can still develop it. Prevention is about reducing risk, not blaming people who become ill.
Evidence based on guidance from Cancer Research UK, the World Cancer Research Fund and the World Health Organization.
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Sources for further reading
Cancer Research UK – lifestyle and cancer prevention
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer
World Cancer Research Fund – Cancer Prevention Recommendations
https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-prevention-recommendations/
WHO – Alcohol and cancer
https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/alcohol-and-cancer
WHO – Red and processed meat and cancer
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/cancer-carcinogenicity-of-the-consumption-of-red-meat-and-processed-meat
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