Healthier lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of cancer
Doctors in Wiltshire are highlighting small changes
Local doctors are now highlighting how small changes to everyday habits and making healthier lifestyle choices can reduce the chances of developing cancer.
More than 3,000 people in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire were referred to hospital in December of last year for symptoms that could be cancer.
It's widely accepted that whilst all referrals don't result in a positive diagnosis, around one in two people will be affected by some form of the disease during their life.
Experts also suggest that smoking is responsible for nearly a quarter of all cancer diagnoses and the earlier a person quits the greater their future prospects.
Cancer Research UK said, people can reduce their risk of developing more than a dozen types of cancer by bringing their weight down to a healthy level and eating a balanced diet.
This includes eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and a minimal amount of processed food.
Dr Francis Campbell, GP Partner and Primary Care Partner Member for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“Cancer can unfortunately affect almost any part of our bodies, and our chances of having the disease can be hugely altered by choices we make every day.
“Most of us know that smoking is a huge contributing factor to many types of cancer, but other lifestyle choices, such as drinking too much alcohol, eating a poor diet, spending too much unprotected time in the sun and not getting enough exercise, can also be harmful.
“Our overall health should be of the utmost importance at any time of year, but this particular week is a great opportunity to take stock and, wherever possible, make changes that can provide long-term benefits.”
The NHS offers a number of cancer screening programmes and encourage people to take up the screenings and do what they can to identify any symptoms at the earliest opportunity.