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Reduce the risk

The risk of developing cancer varies from person to person – everything from age and lifestyle to genetics and our environment play a part.

The part we have most control over is our lifestyle – eating healthily, not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, taking regular exercise and protecting ourselves from the sun.

We’ve included this information in an engaging way for children and young people on our Why Bother? youth website.

Here are the five basic principles to communicate to young people:

Stop smoking. More than 120,000 people a year in the UK die from smoking-related diseases such as cancer, asthma and chronic heart disease. Most of these people started to smoke while they were at school. Smoking shortens life span by 10 years or more, and it’s also a very expensive habit – costing up to thousands of pounds a year.

Your pupils or students may be interested in the animated movie on the effects of Smoking on our Why Bother? youth website.

Take regular exercise. You should try to maintain an even balance between the energy you get from the food and drink you consume and the energy you burn through activity. Aerobic activity increases your heart rate, promotes good circulation and oxygen levels and keeps the heart, the most important muscle in the body, exercised. You should aim for at least two hours in total per week.

Drink and eat healthily. Drinking too much alcohol is hard on your immune system. Remember to stay hydrated too – the body needs plenty of water to function properly. A balanced diet helps you stay healthy.

Be careful in the sun. The sun is a main source of vitamin D, but its powerful rays can damage your skin and cause skin cancer. To be safe in the sun and protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are strongest. Seek shade, wear a protective hat, clothing and sunglasses. Use sunscreen with at least a factor of 15 or higher. Sunbeds carry the same risks, so for a ‘safe’ tan that saves your skin and possibly your life, use fake tan.

Be body aware. The most important thing to remember is that the earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated, and the better the chance of recovery. Know your body, be aware of any changes and go to your doctor if you notice any unexplained changes.