Cancer Prevention

Stay Healthy

Preventing cancer

Prevention means reducing risk before cancer develops — and catching problems early through screening. Small daily choices add up over a lifetime.

Food & nutrition

A healthy, balanced diet reduces cancer risk; a poor diet increases it. Cancers linked to diet are often found in the digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach and bowel).

• Eat more vegetables, fruit and legumes
• Choose wholegrain cereals, bread, rice and pasta for fibre
• Limit processed meats (such as salami or ham)
• If you eat red meat, prefer small lean serves, 3–4 times a week
• Include chicken, fish or vegetarian alternatives

Body weight

Being overweight or obese increases risk of bowel, post-menopausal breast, endometrium, kidney and oesophageal cancers. Balance the energy you take in with the energy you use each day.

Physical activity

Inactivity is linked to higher risk of certain cancers, including colon and post-menopausal breast cancer. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily supports health; around 60 minutes can further reduce cancer risk. More vigorous activity often brings greater benefit.

Alcohol

Any alcohol increases risk of several cancers. Risk rises from the first drink and is higher when combined with smoking. If you drink, keep intake low — and remember alcohol also contributes to weight gain.

Other prevention steps