How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Developing Cancer?

There are several key things that you can do, but there are no guarantees with life, and cancer is a common disease.

The first thing is never to smoke – smoking is associated with several other cancers, not just lung cancer, and also with an increased risk of developing heart disease.

Avoid drinking too much – drinking in moderation is good but drinking too much too often can increase the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and stomach particularly.

Eat a healthy diet, with at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables per day, particularly red grapes and broccoli. Compounds in these have been shown to reduce cancer risk by mopping up the free radicals that can damage DNA. Red wine and dark chocolate, taken in small amounts may also be good, according to some experts.

Check out whether you live in a high radon area – this underground gas is linked with lung cancer.

Finally, keep a sensible approach to Sun and tanning. Always use a high factor sun screen to avoid burning and forego the deep tan that used to be popular years ago. Pale and interesting can avoid skin cancers.