Five ways to cut your risk of cancer by an oncology consultant [Video]

Cancer is a complex disease with many causes – and sometimes none. For some patients, getting cancer is down to plain bad luck.

As an oncology consultant, I see many cases where patients are otherwise perfectly healthy and have followed a healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, research has shown there are several ways to reduce your risk. Here are five evidence-based strategies to help lower your chances of developing cancer:

1. Quit smoking and avoid tobacco

Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of cancer. Smoking not only increases the risk of lung cancer but also contributes to the development of oral, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreatic, stomach and cervical cancers to name a few. The harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke affect the entire body, not just the lungs.

If you currently smoke, quitting is the most important step you can take to reduce your cancer risk. Around 30% of all cancer deaths in the US and Europe …