Not all cancer can be prevented. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting cancer.
Find out more about reducing your risk, the active steps you can take and how Maggie's can help.
Understanding your risks
Every type of cancer has risk factors that can increase your chance of developing it.
Some risks you can control by making changes to your lifestyle, but others, like your age or family history, are things you can't change.
It's important to be aware and understand all your risks so you can discuss them with your GP. They may recommend additional screening, tests or changes you can make.
Early detection and screening
Cancer is usually easier to treat if it's found early.
You can take an active role in early cancer detection by:
- Knowing your body so you can spot changes
- Reporting changes to your GP if you're worried
- Attending screening appointments and age-related check ups – you should be invited to these by your GP
- Asking your GP about genetic testing if you have a family history of cancer
Lifestyle changes you can make
Simple changes to lifestyle can help to reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Changes you can make include:
- Eating well
- Keeping active
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Be safe in the sun
- Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink
- Following safety procedures when handling hazardous materials
- Don't smoke and avoid smoky environments
- Practice safe sex – sexually transmitted viruses, like HPV, can increase your risk of developing some cancers
- Get vaccinated – the vaccine for HPV is now offered to school children aged 11–12
If you’ve had cancer in the past, lifestyle changes can also help reduce the chance of cancer coming back and improve your general health.
Help to change your lifestyle
Changing your lifestyle can feel challenging and you may feel like you need some help to keep motivated.
It can be easier to keep up positive changes if you:
- Ask your GP what healthy changes are right for you
- Set manageable goals
- Make changes alongside friends or family so you can support each other
- Ask your GP about programmes or groups to help you achieve your goals. These could include help to stop smoking or help to get active
- Join a local gym – instructors and classes can provide exercise support and encouragement
Maggie's is here with you
Our Cancer Support Specialists are here to listen to your concerns and help you find the information and help that's right for you:
- Find your nearest Maggie's centre – you don't need an appointment, just come in
Last review: Oct 2021 | Next review: Oct 2022
Useful links to other organisations
You may hear about something that you are told can reduce your risk of cancer. It sounds like a good idea, and you may want to try it. Before you put your body and money on the line, find out more about it.
From American Cancer Society
Last reviewed: 14 October 2021
Find out more about ways to reduce your risk of getting cancer.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 14 October 2021
A handy tool to work out your personal risk of getting cancer and what you could do to maximise your cancer prevention potential.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 14 October 2021
Small changes you can make to help you stop smoking and information about other support to help you quit.
From Nhs
Last reviewed: 14 October 2021
Advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing.
From Nhs
Last reviewed: 14 October 2021
A useful seven step overview of ways you can reduce your risk of cancer.
From Prevent Cancer Foundation
Last reviewed: 14 October 2021
Practical tips to help you reduce the risk of getting cancer.
From World Cancer Research Fund International
Last reviewed: 14 October 2021