There is no guaranteed way of avoiding cancer but you can make changes to your life style that will help reduce the risk of you developing cancer.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the main causes of lung cancer and is also the cause of other types of cancer in the mouth, throat, food pipe, stomach, kidney, bladder and pancreatic cancer. Smoking can also cause heart disease, stroke and other chronic lung diseases.
There is plenty of help available if you wish to stop smoking. Your GP will be able to provide you with help and advice or you can visit the Giving Up Smoking website www.givingupsmoking.co.uk or telephone the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169.
Diet
Eating a healthy well balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing cancer. It is recommended that you eat a low fat diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Try and eat five different portions for fruit and vegetables every day as they are full of fibre and vitamins.
Eat plenty of high-fibre food such as wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals, pasta, beans and pulses.
Try and reduce the quantity of red meat you eat and eat more seafood and chicken instead. You can still eat red meat but reduce your intake.
Alcohol
Alcohol is very prominent in our everyday lives and drinking alcohol for a large majority of the population is big part of our social activities. Most of the time drinking doesn't cause any problems but drinking too much can be harmful and it is important that you realise the risks involved.
To find out more about recommended guides on the consumption of alcohol, its effects, and reasons to cut down visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
Regular Exercise
Being overweight puts you at greater risk of suffering from heart disorders, diabetes or certain cancers.
Very overweight women are more likely to develop cancer of the endometrium. There is an increased risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women who are obese. Being overweight has also been linked to an increased incidence of colon cancer.
To lose weight safely you need to combine a reduced calorie intake with a good regular exercise regime. For more information on losing weight and physical exercise visit the NHS Direct website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. Please remember to check with your GP prior to starting any physical exercise for the first time.
Take care in the Sun
It is a well known fact that exposure to the sun causes skin cancer. There has been much publicity about overexposure to the sun, the damage it causes to the skin and the risk of subsequently developing skin cancer. Your skin type will also determine how susceptible you may be to skin cancer.
Skin cancer is preventable if you take extra care and follow some simple advice.
Stay out of the sun between the hours of 11am - 3.00pm when the sun is at its hottest.
Wear hats, sunglasses and suitable clothing. Apply the correct sunscreen for your skin and remember to reapply frequently. Do not use sunbeds
Further information on safety in the sun is available on www.doh.nhs.uk/sunsafe
Know your body
Make sure you know your body - this way you will notice any changes that take place. Do this as you wash or get dressed.
- Men should regularly check their testicles
- Women should regularly self-check their breasts and be aware of their normal shape and appearance.
- If you have moles ensure you watch out for changes in colour, size or shape.
What to do if you find anything unusual
If you have any concerns about symptoms your are experiencing contact your GP or the NHS Direct Helpline on 0845 4647 or at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Other useful contacts can be found at www.cancerhelp.org.uk www.cancerresearchuk.org and www.cancerbacup.org.uk.
