Cancer

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Cancer is a condition where cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled way. Speak to a GP if you notice any symptoms that are not normal for you.

Possible causes of cancer

Anyone can get cancer and it’s not always clear what causes it. But there are things that can increase your risk of getting certain types of cancer.

These can include:

getting older
other people in your family having certain cancers
your lifestyle – such as smoking, being overweight, exposure to too much sun and drinking too much alcohol
having certain viruses – such as human papillomavirus (HPV) or hepatitis
having certain conditions – such as severe acid reflux or Lynch syndrome (a condition that runs in families)
the environment where you work or live – such as exposure to asbestos or air pollution.

You cannot always prevent cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting some types of cancer:

have cancer screening when you’re invited – such as cervical screening, breast screening (mammogram) or bowel cancer screening
have the HPV vaccine or hepatitis B vaccine if you’re offered them
speak to a GP about genetic testing for cancer risk genes if a type of cancer runs in your family, a relative has been told they have a faulty gene linked to cancer, or you have 1 or more Jewish grandparents
try to cut down on alcohol and avoid drinking more than 14 units a week
try to lose weight if you’re overweight, or keep to a healthy weight
try to quit smoking
follow advice on sunscreen and sun safety, such as wearing sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and spending time in the shade, to protect your skin
eat a balanced diet
be physically active – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week