The European Code Against Cancer gives information on how certain cancers may be avoided and general health improved if you adopt a healthier lifestyle. Further information on the Code can be accessed at http://www.cancercode.org/.

The following changes may help to reduce your risk of getting cancer:

Do not smoke or use tobacco in any form

Tobacco definitely causes cancer. Smoking (especially cigarettes) is a well-known cause of lung cancer. Smoke can also get into other body organs; there is a link between smoking and cancer of the mouth, larynx (voice box), pharynx, oesophagus (gullet), stomach, bladder, kidney, pancreas, liver and cervix.

Chewing tobacco and using snuff are also dangerous. They can cause cancers of the mouth and face.

Many people are aware of the link between smoking and a number of cancers. The NHS has a website called Go smokefree which has advice on giving up smoking and details of local NHS smoking cessation services.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has a range of Essential Information factsheets, which cover various aspects of smoking and health. It also has information on smoking and cancer.

For advice on giving up smoking, you could also try the UK charity QUIT.

People who eat a lot of fat and meat – especially red meat – seem more likely to get certain cancers (such as bowel cancer), so cutting down on these foods makes good sense. Eating more fruit and vegetables seems to protect against cancer.

Current recommendations are that everyone should eat at least five portions of a variety fruit and vegetables each day, to reduce the risks of cancer and coronary heart disease and many other chronic diseases.The Department of Health is encouraging everyone to move towards increasing the amounts of fruit and vegetables we eat. Information about the Department's 5 a day programme can be found on its website.

The Food Standards Agency has a website with information about healthy eating. The World Cancer Research Fund website also has information about how diet and lifestyle choices affect your cancer risk.

Being very underweight or overweight increases your cancer risk. A sensible diet and some exercise will help to keep you at the right weight.

 

Don’t drink too much alcohol

Some types of cancer are more common in heavy drinkers. These include cancers of the liver, throat, oesophagus (gullet) and mouth. People who smoke and drink a lot are even more at risk.

 

Protect yourself in the sun

Most skin cancers are caused by being out in the sun (or on a sunbed) too much. You can protect yourself by using a high factor suncream and by covering yourself up when the sun is strong.

Take care at work

If you are exposed to certain substances or chemicals (for example asbestos, benzidene, arsenic) you are more likely to get cancer. Protect yourself by following all the health and safety rules.

 

Get to know your body, and watch out for changes

For example, you can examine your breasts regularly for lumps or thickening, and for puckering skin and other changes. Men can check their testicles for lumps. Changes like these may be early signs of cancer. The sooner a cancer is found, the better the chance of a cure.

Take part in screening tests

Screening tests help to find cancer early.

If you’re a woman you should receive an invitation to attend for regular smear tests every three to five years from the age of 25 to 65, and mammograms every three years from the age of 50 to 70. Smear tests can spot danger cells before they turn into cancer.

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme offers screening every two years to all men and women aged 60 to 69. This will be extended to 25 by 2010.

There are no screening programmes available for other cancers, unless you are part of a family that has a history of cancer.

If you do not receive your invitation for screening, or you are not in this age group and wish to find out more about screening, you should speak to your GP.