Dietary choices receive considerable attention in cancer prevention discussions; yet other daily habits play equally crucial roles in determining cancer risk.
To date, the single largest preventable cause of cancer globally remains smoking, which accounts for approximately one-third of all cancer diagnoses worldwide.
Exposure to tobacco products has established connections to numerous cancer types, including malignancies of the lung, mouth, and prostate.
However, the connection between alcohol and cancer remains less recognised than other risk factors, despite research indicating that drinking accounts for 3.3 per cent of cancer diagnoses across the UK.
Around 11,900 new cancer cases each year are linked to alcohol consumption
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This translates to approximately 11,900 new cancer cases each year linked to alcohol consumption.
Consultant urologist at The Focal Therapy Clinic, Marc Laniado, warned that a lack of awareness of the risks means individuals underestimate alcohol's contribution to cancer development.
He told GB News: "A lifestyle habit that has a bigger impact on cancer risk than some people realise is alcohol.
"It's important for those who regularly drink large amounts to start decreasing the amount of units they drink each week, as it could help to lower their risk of getting cancer."
Even modest reductions in consumption may offer protective benefits against cancer development, the expert noted.
It is not the only overlooked culprit, however. Regular sun protection plays an equally vital role in preventing skin cancer, particularly as melanoma ranks as Britain's fifth most prevalent cancer.
"Looking after your skin is so important, especially when it’s exposed to strong UV rays from the sun," Dr Laniado noted.
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The early signs of bowel cancer are easy to miss | GETTY"Wearing SPF on your body, even if it’s cloudy, can help protect your skin. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, so we all need to put on SPF regularly."
In addition, regular physical exercise, especially vigorous activities, offers significant protection against various cancer types, too.
Doctors particularly advise maintaining a healthy body weight through consistent physical activity for this reason.
"Focusing on a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can both help to reduce our risk of developing cancer," Dr Laniado noted.