Cancer: reduce the risk

More than one in three people in Wales will develop cancer during their lifetime. Most cases are in people over 60, but the habits we adopt earlier in life can alter our risk. Half of all cancers could be prevented by changes to lifestyle.

Stop smoking

Smoking is the single biggest cause of cancer in the world. If you smoke, giving up is the most important thing you can do for your health.

Stay in shape

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing cancer of the bowel, kidney, food pipe, gallbladder, pancreas and womb. It also increases the risk of breast cancer in women who have been through the menopause.

Take some regular exercise

Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of bowel cancer and breast cancer. Try to take at least half an hour of moderate activity on five or more days a week.

Eat and drink healthily

Our diet affects our risk of developing certain cancers, including cancer of  the bowel, stomach, mouth, and food pipe.

Limit your alcohol intake

Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing cancer of the mouth, upper throat, voice box, food pipe, liver, bowel and breast. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk.

Be SunSmart

Too much sun ages your skin and can cause skin cancer.

Go for cancer screening

Tests called ‘screening’ can pick up unusual changes early so that treatment is more effective.

Practise safer sex

Some sexually transmitted infections can cause cancer. The hepatitis B virus is a common cause of cancer that starts in the liver and can be spread through unprotected sex.  

Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused By Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV infection is very common, but most women who have had it will not develop cervical cancer.