The European Code Against Cancer, backed by Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society, has a 12 point plan of dos and don’ts to help everyone make the healthiest choices:
- Don’t smoke. One in three of all cancers is related to smoking.
2. Avoid second-hand smoke. Keep your home and workplace smoke-free. Second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease in non-smokers.
3. Be a healthy weight. As the amount of fat in the body increases, so does the chance of certain cancers.
4. Be physically active in everyday life, limit the time you spend sitting. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.
5. Have a healthy diet. Eat fruit, vegetables, grains and pulses. Limit foods high in sugar, salt or fat), avoid processed meat and limit red meat.
6. If you drink alcohol of any type, limit your intake. Not drinking alcohol is better for cancer prevention.
7. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. Avoid too much sun, especially for children. Use sun protection. Do not use sunbeds.
8. Pollutants. Protect yourself in your workplace and follow health and safety instructions.
9. Find out if you are exposed to radiation from naturally high radon levels in your home. Take action to reduce high radon levels.
10. For women:
Breastfeeding reduces the mother’s cancer risk. If you can, breastfeed your baby. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of certain cancers. Limit HRT.
11. Ensure your children take part in vaccination programmes for: Hepatitis B (for newborns) and human papillomavirus (HPV) (for girls).
12. Take part in organised cancer screening programmes for bowel cancer (men and women), breast cancer (women) and cervical cancer (women).
If you’ve any concerns about cancer call the free Cancer Focus NI helpline on 0800 783 3339.
Check here for more information on the European Cancer Code.
