Cancer prevention
Learn how a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of cancer
Did you know? 4 out of 10 cancer cases can be prevented. For example, we can watch what we eat, choose not to smoke, limit our alcohol consumption and take regular exercise.
Healthy habits to reduce your cancer risk
Stopping cancer before it starts is a key goal of the Irish Cancer Society. In the sections below you can learn how to reduce your cancer risk by having healthy habits in your daily life.
Alcohol increases the risk of cancer in both men and women. The more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk.
Maintaining a healthy weight is an important way to reduce your risk of cancer.
Limiting food that's high in sugar, salt and fat, and eating more fruits, vegetables, grains and pulses can help reduce cancer risk.
HPV has also been strongly linked to a number of cancers including cervical, anal, mouth and throat, vulva, vagina and penis.
Regular exercise reduces the risk of several cancers like breast, bowel and uterine and may prevent lung cancer.
Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, but is also a risk factor in several other cancers like mouth, head and neck, stomach, pancreas, and more.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with most cases caused by UV rays from the sun.
12 ways to reduce your cancer risk
The European Code Against Cancer, developed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the European Commission 2014, aims to inform people about actions they can take for themselves or their families to reduce their risk of cancer.
Cancer specialists and scientists from across Europe compiled the code based on the latest scientific evidence on cancer prevention. It consists of 12 recommendations that most people can follow without any special skills or advice. The more recommendations people follow, the lower their risk of cancer will be.
Download or order our leaflet on 12 ways to reduce your cancer risk.
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What causes cancer?
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