Understanding cancer risk | Canada Life UK

Article Author: Rachel Rawson, Lead Cancer Nurse Specialist, Perci Health

With one in two people now diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime[1], it’s likely that even if we’re not affected directly, a loved one could be. While no one can predict the future, one of the best ways to tackle concerns about cancer is with knowledge. This article shares simple, straightforward information about cancer risk, myths and prevention.

Who is at higher risk for cancer?

Your risk of developing cancer can be affected by many things. These include lifestyle and behavioural factors, such as what you eat, your level of physical activity, and whether you smoke and drink alcohol. Your risk for certain cancers can also vary with age, with most cases in people over 50.

Most cancers develop as a result of a combination of these risk factors, while a small number (5–10%) are caused by an inherited altered gene such as the BRCA breast cancer gene[2]. Additionally, men are slightly more likely to get cancer than women, and the risk of getting certain types of cancer varies with ethnicity.

Which lifestyle and behavioural factors can increase cancer risk?

While we can’t change our age or genes, understanding lifestyle factors linked to cancer risk can help us make informed choices.

Smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of cancer worldwide. It is the leading cause of lung cancer but is also known to cause a further 14 types of cancer.

What about vaping?
Because they do not contain tobacco, vapes are safer than cigarettes. However, little is known about the long-term side effects of vaping, so only people who want to stop smoking should vape.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol increases cancer risk and causes seven types of cancer, including breast, bowel, mouth and liver cancer. Drinking alcohol doesn’t mean that you’ll definitely get cancer, but evidence shows that there is no safe level of drinking.

Weight and obesity
There is strong evidence that being overweight or living with obesity throughout adulthood increases the risk of at least 12 different cancers.

Sun and UV rays
The majority of skin cancers are caused by too much UV radiation, which damages the DNA in your skin cells.

What about sunbeds?

Sunbeds produce ultraviolet light that damages the skin. Research has shown that using a sunbed causes melanoma and there is now evidence that sunbeds might also increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer.

What are some proven (and achievable) ways to prevent cancer?

While no lifestyle choice can completely eliminate your risk of cancer, some can significantly lower it. If you do want to make changes to your lifestyle, try to focus on one or two smaller goals at a time.

Eat a balanced diet

There is good evidence that a diet rich in wholegrains, vegetables, fruit, and legumes and pulses (such as beans and lentils), as part of your usual daily diet, can help protect against certain cancers, weight gain and obesity.

Limit red meat, sugar and alcohol

For cancer prevention, try to limit the amount of red meat you eat, as well as limiting refined sugars, which are found in cakes, sweets, biscuits and soft drinks. Cancer risk is higher the more you drink, so cutting down reduces risk.

Exercise moderately

There is strong evidence that higher levels of physical activity are linked to lower risk of several types of cancer, including bladder, breast and colon cancer. Guidelines state that we should all aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate activity.

Stop smoking

While reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke a day is a good first step, the best thing you can do for your health is to stop smoking completely.

Protect your skin from the sun

When the sun is high, cover up with a hat, clothes or sunscreen (at least factor 30), and take care not to burn.

Attend screening appointments when invited

Screening tests in the UK are designed to identify higher risks of specific conditions early, enabling prompt treatment or informed choices. The NHS offers four screening tests – cervical, breast, bowel and lung – and it is important to take part in these when invited.

When should someone who is concerned about cancer seek medical advice?

The NHS has a helpful list of symptoms that are important to get checked out, including a prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, change in bowel habit, rapidly growing lumps or suspicious moles. If you’re experiencing any different or new symptoms, book an appointment with your GP.

If close family members have been diagnosed with the types of cancer that can run in families, including breast, ovarian, colorectal and prostate cancers, and you're worried that you might develop cancer yourself, you should contact your GP, who can refer you to a genetic counsellor, family cancer clinic or a cancer specialist.