Things we do can lead to cancer

Many cancers happen by chance. But our habits and lifestyles can also affect our chances of developing cancer in later life.

Did you know that the following things are linked to cancer?

• Smoking
• Sunbathing
• Eating an unhealthy diet and not getting enough exercise
• Some infections that can be passed on during sex

Smoking

What's the evidence?

It was fifty years ago that scientist Sir Richard Doll made the connection between lung cancer and smoking. By the early 1950's the number of people in the UK with lung cancer was increasing rapidly. No one realised that there was a connection between the increase in lung cancer and the large number of people smoking. At that time an incredible 80% of men and 40% of women were smokers.

Smoking is addictive because of the nicotine in cigarettes. But it is the thousands of other chemicals in cigarette smoke that actually cause damage to our DNA. The longer you smoke the worse the damage will become and the more likely you are to get cancer.

• Smoking causes nine out of ten cases of lung cancer.
• Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world.
• In the UK about 450 children start smoking every day.
• Smoking is linked to other cancers including mouth and cervical cancers as well as other diseases such as heart disease.
• It is hard to give up, but using nicotine replacement products can double your chances of quitting.
• Smoking makes you ugly! It causes wrinkles, yellow teeth and bad breath - not a good combination!

Sunbathing

What's the evidence?

The sun emits UV rays that can directly damage the DNA in skin cells leading to skin cancer. The most serious form of skin cancer is called melanoma. People with fair or red hair, pale skin and freckles are more likely to burn in the sun and so are at greatest risk.

• Getting sunburnt as a child or young person increases your chances of developing skin cancer in later life.
• Sunbeds and sunlamps are not a safe alternative to the sun - they can damage the skin and lead to cancer.
• Tanning causes the skin to age more quickly.

Using a sunscreen is not enough - follow the SunSmart code below!

• Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
• Make sure you never burn.
• Always cover up.
• Remember to take extra care with children.
• Then use factor 15+ sunscreen.

Read more about staying safe in the sun in our SunSmart website.

Eating an unhealthy diet and not getting enough exercise

What's the evidence?

A healthy diet and regular exercise can protect you against developing cancer in later life. Scientists are trying to work out which foods are most important for health and that may help to prevent cancer.

Being obese or overweight can also increase your chances of developing cancer.

You may not be worried about being healthy in your old age. But there are other good reasons for staying in shape. You should notice the difference straight away - you will have more energy, stay healthy and look good too.

• The UK has the fastest growing rate of obesity in the developed world.
• Weight problems amongst children are becoming more common with 28 per cent of girls and 22 per cent of boys either overweight or obese.
• Only 12 per cent of children eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
• Drinking alcohol increases your chances of developing cancer, and if you smoke as well the risk is even greater.

• Try and eat at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables every day.
• Eat plenty of fibre. This can be found in cereals, fruit and vegetables and wholemeal bread.
• Don't eat too much red or processed meat. Processed meat includes things like sausages, hamburgers and bacon.
• Exercise doesn't have to be a chore - find an activity you enjoy and get some friends to join in too - you could take up a new activity like dancing or cycling. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day could make all the difference.

Some infections that can be passed on during sex

What's the evidence?

Some cancers are caused by infection. Some infections are unavoidable - especially for people who live in developing countries. But some types of infection are passed on during sex. These include a virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer in women. The virus, Human Papilloma Virus or HPV, can be harmless. But in some people infection with HPV leads to cell changes and cancer. It occurs more often in people who have had sex with lots of different people. Using a condom may reduce your chances of getting this infection. The next section exlplains more about how infection can lead to cancer.