The 10 lifestyle choices that may help lower the risk of all types of cancer

02 December 2023 , 13:54

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Taking two and a half hours of exercise every week can help avoid the risk of cancer (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Brits hoping to avoid cancer have been advised of a number of lifestyle choices that could help avoid the risk of developing the disease, according to research.

Researchers from Newcastle University tested the guidance previously carried out by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). Using data from 94,778 adults with an average age of 56, each participant was scored on their adherence to the recommendations out of seven. Cancer registry data to track cancer diagnoses was also tracked during the eight-year study period.

The researchers found greater adherence to the recommendations led to lower cancer risk and for every recommendation participants stuck to, their chance of cancer was reduced by seven per cent, reports express.co.uk.

Earlier this month a study warned overweight people face an increased risk of developing four types of cancer. Researchers found carrying extra weight means you are more likely to develop tumours of the bowel, kidney, pancreas and ovary.

The latest study, published in BMC Medicine, looked at health data from more than 577,000 adults and investigated the association between body mass index, cardiometabolic diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. The results showed people who are living with excess weight, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, such as a stroke, are more likely to develop cancer, particularly of the bowel, breast, and liver.

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Scientists said preventing obesity could lead to a greater reduction in cancer risk among people who also have cardiovascular diseases than among the general population. Dr Helen Corker, of the World Cancer Research Fund, said: "We already know that obesity is an important risk factor for cancer.

"But these striking findings show that the risk differs depending on whether people also have cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a healthy weight can offer even greater benefits for particular groups."

The 10 lifestyle choices which could help lower the risk of cancer:

• 1. Staying at the lower end of the healthy BMI range
• 2. Two and a half hours of exercise per week
• 3. Eat a balanced diet with at least 30g of fibre and at least five portions of fruits and vegetables a day
• 4. Limit fast food
• 5. Eat no more than three portions of red meat a week
• 6. Avoid drinks with added sugar
• 7. No alcohol
• 8. Stay away from supplements for cancer prevention
• 9. Breastfeed if able to for six months
• 10. Follow a doctor’s advice after a cancer diagnosis

Katrina Turrill