Cancer is estimated to impact one in two Scots in their lifetime, according to Cancer Research UK, so doing things to try and reduce risks can be hugely important.
In a bid to identify ways to lessen risk, a new study suggests cutting down on alcohol, red meat and fast food. Co-authored by Newcastle University's Dr Fiona Malcomson and published in the journal Cancer, the research concluded that lifestyle-based recommendations have a tangible impact on lowering your cancer risk.
The scientists suggest that following the 10 World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) lifestyle recommendations can help cut risk of a diagnosis, with the more recommendations followed the lesser the chances of cancer later in life.
The advice includes maintaining a healthy weight, eating and drinking a diet rich in wholegrains, fruit, vegetables ad pulses, with these choses helping to reduce risk of illnesses such as bowel, breast and lung cancer, reports ChronicleLive.
The researchers analysed a range of cancer prevention studies in order to identify the impact of following said recommendations, using a point system awarded to a person for every piece of advice followed.
It was found that for every point more someone did, they reduced their risk of bowel cancer by 12 per cent, breast cancer by 11 per cent and lung cancer by eight per cent.
According to the experts, approximately 40 per cent of all cancers are linked with lifestyle factors, with the habits changeable to help cut risk.
For example, becoming more active, giving up smoking, losing weight if required, improving diet, reduction alcohol are all things that can be done to help and improve a person's health overall.
Dr Malcomson said: “This is the first study to review the evidence to date on the impact of following the latest version of the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research Cancer Prevention Recommendations and the risk of developing cancer.
"Our findings are exciting as they provide further evidence of some of the best ways to reduce the risk of cancer, in particular breast, bowel, and lung cancers. By following these recommendations, people may reduce their risk of certain cancers, and we would recommend that people adhere to them as closely as possible.
"The evidence for the effects of lifestyle factors is stronger for certain cancers. For example, eating a lot of red and processed meat increases the risk of bowel cancer, and drinking alcohol can raise your risk of cancers such as breast, bowel, and oesophageal.”
"However, there are other non-modifiable factors, such as a family history of cancer, and environmental exposures that can also affect people’s risk of developing the disease."
Dr Panagiota Mitrou, Director of Research, Policy and Innovation at World Cancer Research Fund, said: “This study deepens our understanding of the impact our Recommendations have on reducing cancer risk.
“The more evidence we have demonstrating how following our Recommendations as a pattern of behaviours can reduce cancer risk, such as having a healthy diet, keeping active and maintaining a healthy weight, the more we can support positive change.”
Lifestyle recommendations that may reduce cancer risk, according to experts
- maintain health weight
- be physically active
- eat a diet rich in wholegrains, vegetables, fruits and beans
- limit "fast foods" and processed food high in fat, starch or sugar
- limit intake of sugary drinks
- limit alcohol
- avoid supplements for cancer prevention
- breastfeed babies where possible
- follow the recommendations after a cancer diagnosis.
The research forms part of the Cancer Lifestyle Prevention Recommendations (CALIPER) UK Study. Further analyse is required to confirm the study findings in relation to other types of cancer.
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