There are several lifestyle and dietary modifications to make when it comes to living a healthier, happier life - but it doesn't have to be tantalisingly challenging, a doctor has asserted.
For decades, smoking has been slammed for being the leading preventable cause of cancer in the UK, and obesity is quickly overtaking the vice.
In fact, Professor Franklin Joseph, who is the head of Dr Frank's Weight Loss Clinic, has picked out the most common day-to-day habits that could be silently rising the risk of cancer.
“You don’t need a dramatic overhaul. Just cutting back on sugary drinks, being mindful with alcohol, avoiding late-night snacking and moving more during the day can collectively lower your cancer risk and help you manage your weight,” he said.
Cutting back on sugary drinks can help prevent cancer
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Sugary drinks and hidden calories
“Many people think fizzy drinks or so-called ‘energy’ drinks are harmless in moderation, but the evidence shows that excess sugar intake drives weight gain, insulin resistance and inflammation - all of which increase cancer risk,” Prof Joseph said.
Earlier this week, the Government announced that it was planning to implement a new law across England to prohibit anyone under the age of 16 purchasing energy drinks, which contain high levels of caffeine and sugar.
If consumed in excess, issues like headaches and sleep problems could rear their head.
"Bowel and pancreatic cancers in particular are linked to diets high in sugar and processed carbs. Swapping to water, sparkling water with fruit, or unsweetened tea can dramatically cut your risk without much effort," the doctor added.
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Alcohol
"Even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of cancers like breast, liver and oesophageal," Prof Joseph warned, explaining that many people forget that alcohol remains a carcinogen.
He advised: “You don’t need to cut it out completely if you don’t want to, but limiting yourself to a few drinks a week - and building in regular alcohol-free days - can make a big difference to your long-term health."
Despite it being widely acceptable to have a drink at the end of the day, it can become easy to forget that it can add significant amounts of sugar to your diet as well.
Limiting consumption to two or three drinks could make a big impact
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Late-night snacking
“Your body has a circadian rhythm - a natural clock - and eating late at night disrupts it. This has been linked to increased risk of obesity and metabolic issues, which in turn feed into higher cancer risk,” Prof Joseph warned.
“Similarly, being sedentary for long periods doesn’t just affect your weight - it changes hormone levels and reduces your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and inflammation.
"Even short breaks to stand up and move every hour can lower your risk."