Ratification Date: 23/07/2025

Next Review Date: 23/07/2027

Can I reduce my risk of getting cancer?

Reduce your risk of cancer

Contents

The good news is that there are some things that you can do to reduce the risk.

Whilst not all types of cancer can be prevented, over a third of cancers can be. Which is why making healthy choices is so important – and small steps can add up to a big difference.

As well as staying active, taking steps like stopping smoking, eating well, and drinking less alcohol can help to reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Being healthy can help you to live well for longer.

It is really important to go along to screening appointments when you are invited, as these can pick up signs of cancer early. The earlier that cancer is found, the more chance there is that it can be treated.

Reducing the risk of cancer

Want to find out more about how to reduce the risk of some cancers?

  • Cancer Research has some useful information about staying healthy and some films about reducing your risk by doing things like stopping smoking.
  • Macmillan Cancer Support has information about how you can make changes in how you live to reduce the risk of cancer, for example, taking care in the sun.

Kickstart your health

If you want to kickstart your health, then the NHS can help. 

  • Live Well – NHS brings together lots of advice about healthy living, including eating a balanced diet, staying a healthy weight, exercise, stopping smoking and drinking less alcohol.
  • Better Health – NHS has information to help you get active, quit smoking, and improve healthy habits.

Lifestyle: get active

Getting active helps us to stay healthy for longer. It doesn’t have to mean running a marathon – getting active for you could mean simply getting outside for a walk. Find what works for you.

Lifestyle: stop smoking

Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to prevent cancer: 1 in 4 cancers are caused by smoking. Quitting smoking may not be easy but there is a lot of help, so that you can stop for good and reduce your risk of developing cancer.

 

Smoking and tobacco

Smoking accounts for one in four UK cancer deaths and smoking causes at least 15 different types of cancer and tobacco is the biggest cause of cancer in the world. It is never too late to stop smoking, and you don’t have to go it alone. It is much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from.

Below are further information and support websites:

Lifestyle: healthy eating

As well as getting active, eating healthily can help you to stay at an ideal weight which can also help to reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Here you will find information about what is a healthy diet.

 

Lifestyle: drinking less alcohol

Drinking less alcohol can help to reduce your risk of developing some cancers and the NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. You can find an alcohol calculator here if you want to keep an eye on how much you are drinking.

Lifestyle: staying safe in the sun

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause damage to the skin and lead to skin cancer. UV exposure is the main cause of skin cancer that can be prevented. Which is why staying safe in the sun is so important. This includes not staying out in the sun too long, covering up with clothing, and using sunscreen.

Other Sources of Support and Information

 

Big C Charity (local to Norfolk and Waveney)  

Norfolk and Waveney ICB work in partnership with the local charity Big C Cancer Charity.  They hold health events across Norfolk and Waveney, to help people understand the signs and symptoms of cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. Everyone is very welcome to go along, talk to the team, learn more, and take part in the activities on offer. 

 

Cancer Research UK  

Cancer Research UK is a national cancer charity. Their website has lots of helpful information about how to reduce your risk of getting cancer.

 

Macmillan Cancer Support  

Macmillan Cancer Support  is a national cancer charity. Their website has lots of helpful information and booklets you can order about how to reduce your risk of cancer.

 

MOVE Charity 

Founded in 2016 by international athlete Gemma Hillier-Moses, MOVE Charity helps to provide people with the support that Gemma never received when she was diagnosed with cancer aged 24. Gemma is a huge advocate for keeping moving when living with and beyond cancer and through the work of MOVE Charity she hopes to support and inspire others that are affected by cancer, their family, friends and healthcare professionals to Move Against Cancer.

 

NHS ENGLAND – Prevention Programme  

The NHS England website  also has lots of helpful information about staying healthy and preventing illnesses like cancer.

 

Norfolk Libraries Health and Wellbeing resources 

You can find a series of videos to help you find reliable health and wellbeing information here. Topics include finding mental health resources on websites such as the NHS and MIND, reliable information online about physical activity and adult and children’s sleep. Norfolk Libraries Health and Wellbeing also have a range of online resources.

 

Wellbeing Norfolk and Waveney Social Events 

Wellbeing Norfolk and Waveney run a series of social events based on the idea of ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’. These are a set of evidence-based recommendations that, when followed, can improve your mental health and wellbeing. The 5 ways to wellbeing are: connect, be active, learn, take notice, and give; and you can find out more about each of these here

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