Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of 13 different types of cancer including colorectal cancer, post-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer, thyroid cancer and male breast cancer.

A small percentage of all cancers are associated with physical inactivity but regular physical activity can reduce the risk of colon, breast, kidney, uterine and stomach cancer.

A small proprotion of all cancers can be linked to an unhealthy diet, including high intake of processed meat, salt and ultra-processed foods and a low intake of fruit and vegetables. This eating pattern results in an increased risk of colorectal cancer and cancers of the throat and mouth.

Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of breast, colorectal, oral and oesophageal cancer. The largest number of cases linked to alcohol are found in breast and colorectal cancer.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), either from natural sunlight or tanning devices, is a major modifiable risk factor for all skin cancer types including melanoma, BCC (basal cell carcinoma) and SCC (squamous cell carcinoma). It is estimated at over 90% of all melanoma cases are attributable to UVR. As well as the intensity and duration of the skin’s exposure to solar UVR, the sensitivity of a person’s skin is also important. Individuals at higher risk of skin cancer include those with fair skin, red/blonde hair, blue-green eyes and men over 50.

Indoor tanning devices that emit UVR are now classified as carcinogenic and are associated with an increased risk of melanoma (27%) and non-melanoma skin cancer (BCC & SCC).

Environmental carcinogens can be found in air, water and soil and include tobacco smoke, UVR, pesticides and asbestos. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced when uranium in the ground or water breaks down and is thought to be the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Occupational exposure to different chemicals is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer including lung, skin, bone, bladder and leukemia. Examples of these occupational carcinogens include chromium, coal-tar pitch, diesel exhaust, benzene, formaldehyde, flame retardants, firefighting foams and some building materials.

It is well established that screening can reduce the number of deaths from breast, colorectal (bowel), cervical and prostate cancer by diagnosing these cancers before symptoms appear. Cancer screening therefore makes a significant contribution to early cancer detection and improved survival for these common cancers

However, cancer screening can also contribute to cancer prevention by identification and removal of a number of breast, cervical and colorectal (bowel) abnormalities before they become cancerous. For example, around 30 pre-cancerous polyps are excised for each bowel cancer detected as a result of screening.

While cancer screening has made a significant contribution to improved survival and cancer prevention, disparities in access and participation persist with certain racial/ethnic groups, rural populations, those with a disability and people of lower socioeconomic status all less likely to be up to date with recommended cancer screenings.