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• Smoking and tobacco
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The evidence behind our health messages

Our Healthy Living website tells you about the healthy choices that you can make to reduce your risk of cancer. But have you ever wondered about the basis for this information? How do we know that aspects of our lifestyles are linked to our risk of cancer? And how strong is the evidence behind our health messages? This section will help to answer these questions.

We base our messages on scientific research

Cancer Research UK is committed to providing the most accurate and up-to-date information possible on cancer, and how you can reduce your risk. The information and advice in our websites is based on strong scientific research.

Through the work of our scientists and others all around the world, we know that preventing cancer is a real possibility. Experts agree that half of all cancers could be prevented through lifestyle changes.

We look at the big picture

Every year, hundreds of studies reveal further links between lifestyle factors and cancer risk. Sometimes the results from these studies can disagree, so it is important to look at the overall picture. To do this, we continuously and carefully assess the overall current evidence, with advice from our top scientists.

Find out more

These pages will tell you more about:

• the evidence that lifestyle factors are linked to cancer
• why healthy lifestyles can reduce your risk, and
• the science behind our healthy living messages.

Just follow the links below to find out more:

• Smoking and tobacco
• Alcohol
• Diet and healthy eating
• Obesity and weight
• Exercise and activity
• Sun and UV
• Body awareness
• Screening
• Signs and symptoms
• Cancer controversies