Reducing cancer risk: the well-established basics
Cancer is never anyone's fault, and risk is only about probabilities — not certainties. That said, major health bodies agree on a handful of choices associated with lower overall risk.
- Avoid tobacco. Not smoking is widely described as the single biggest thing most people can do to lower cancer risk.
- Limit alcohol. Less alcohol is linked to lower risk of several cancers.
- Protect your skin from the sun and avoid sunburn and tanning beds.
- Keep a healthy weight and stay physically active.
- Eat well, with plenty of vegetables, fruit and fibre, and less processed and red meat.
- Consider recommended vaccinations and screening, as advised by your doctor.
These are general, widely published health messages. They reduce risk but cannot guarantee prevention, and they are not a treatment. Discuss your own situation with a doctor.
Common questions
Can I prevent cancer completely?
No one can. These steps are associated with lower risk, not a guarantee. Many people who do everything "right" still develop cancer, and it is never their fault.