Simple ways to reduce your cancer risk

Simple ways to reduce your cancer risk

While it is not always possible to prevent cancer entirely, making conscious health choices can significantly lower your risk of developing several types of cancer.

Proactive prevention and healthcare steps

Get screened regularly. Talk to your healthcare provider about screenings for cervical, breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer. Early detection saves lives.

Get vaccinated. Protect yourself by getting the HPV vaccine and the Hepatitis B vaccine if they are available to you, as these help prevent viruses linked to certain cancers.

Understand your family history. Talk to a healthcare professional if a specific type of cancer runs in your family, or if a close relative carries a known genetic risk factor.

Healthy lifestyle habits

Maintain a balanced diet. Focus on nutrient rich whole foods, including plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Stay physically active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.

Manage your weight. Work towards achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight through consistent movement and balanced nutrition.

Limit alcohol consumption. Try to cut back on how much and how often you drink, and take regular alcohol free days.

Quit smoking and avoid tobacco. Seek support to quit smoking, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

Practice sun safety. Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), seeking shade during peak hours, and wearing protective clothing.

Adapted from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/