Sunday, February 4 marks World Cancer Day, which aims to unite the whole world in the fight against cancer and raise awareness of the disease.
As more and more research focuses on how our lifestyle can affect our risk of developing cancer, here we round up some of the latest findings which suggest small everyday changes we can make to help reduce our risk and improve health overall.
Don’t feel guilty about your coffee habit
Although experts are not calling for anyone to take up drinking coffee to prevent diseases such as cancer, many recent studies have concluded that if you already love a morning cup of java then carry on with your daily habit, linking moderate coffee consumption to a lower risk of several cancers, including prostate, endometrial, skin and liver cancer.
Most studies suggest that one to three cups a day brings health benefits, however many researchers caution against drinking more as excess caffeine consumption may bring health effects, and also advise limiting coffee intake while pregnant.
Meat in moderation
A large, high-profile 2015 study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) which analyzed more than 800 studies made headlines when it revealed that eating a large amount of processed meats such as sausages, ham, and beef jerky, and red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb, could increase the risk of cancer of the colon, rectum, pancreas, and prostate.
Although the World Health Organization responded to the report by saying that there is no need for people to stop eating meat altogether, it acknowledged that reducing meat consumption could be a good idea. Various other recent studies have also found that reducing meat consumption in favor of a more plant-based diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and legumes, could have a positive effect on health overall and help reduce the risk of cancer.