The statistics are sobering: one in two people will develop cancer at some point in their lives. Its prevalence should not give rise to a sense of hopelessness, however. There are proven ways to modify your risk of developing cancer.
Some are more surprising than others.
Mounting evidence suggests vitamin supplements, which are regularly touted for their purported health benefits, may in fact increase your risk of multiple cancers.
“The conclusion that vitamin supplements aren’t helpful (and could even be harmful) has come through again and again in the majority of trials,” reports Cancer Research UK.
The charity cites a 2004 review of five supplements published in The Lancet journal.
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Other studies have echoed this finding.
“Two clinical trials recently showed that supplements of selenium, vitamin E or vitamin C do not reduce the risk of prostate cancer,” reports Cancer Research UK.
“One of these, the SELECT trial, was stopped early because hints of potentially harmful effects were starting to show.”
What’s more, the charity cites an analysis of 25 studies which found that beta-carotene supplements do not protect against lung cancer.
But an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are often factors, notes the charity.
“Research suggests that eating more fibre may reduce the risk of certain cancers.”
A healthy, balanced diet gives you all the nutrients you need to keep your body working well.
For most people, this includes:
- Lots of fruit and vegetables – at least five portions a day
- Plenty of starchy foods (carbohydrates) – choose wholegrain types such as wholemeal bread, rice, pasta, noodles, couscous and potatoes
- Some protein-rich foods, such as lean meat, poultry, fish, nuts, eggs and pulses (beans and lentils)
- Some milk and dairy foods, such as cheese and yoghurt.
