Eating to avoid cancer

As 1 in 3 people are affected by cancer at some stage of their life, anything you can do to reduce the risk has got to be worth it. One of the simplest but most effective ways to go about it is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Although there’s no ‘magic’ diet that will prevent cancer, certain foods are packed with special cancer fighting properties.

Eating more fruit and vegetables is associated with a lowered risk of some kinds of cancers including those of the lung, stomach and colon.

Although it is not known exactly which of the many compounds they contain are most effective at preventing cancer, their essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre certainly have a part to play.

To maximise the protection they offer, make sure you get your five portions of fruit and veg each day and follow the ‘rainbow’ principle by eating as many different colours of fruit, vegetables, pulses, and beans as you can.

In addition, starchy foods like breakfast cereals and brown rice can also reduce the risk of cancer.

An excessive intake of red meat and processed meat such as sausages and burgers has been associated with certain types of cancer, as has drinking excessive alcohol.

Finally, keep a close eye on your weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) with our interactive BMI calculator. Aiming for a figure between 20 and 25 will reduce not just the likelihood of cancer, but a whole range of other diseases too.