A warm home is just one of the ways we stay healthy and happy. As part of our relationship with Cancer Research UK, we want to provide you with healthy lifestyle tips that could help reduce the risk of cancer.

Quitting Smoking

Smoking is the most important preventable cause of cancer and is responsible for more than 4 in 5 lung cancers in the UK. It also causes at least 13 other types of cancer. By giving up smoking, you can reduce your risk of cancer – and save yourself a lot of money too.

Keeping Active

By being active you can reduce the risk of breast, bowel and womb cancers. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week (that’s anything that makes you warm or slightly out of breath).

Cutting Back on Alcohol

Cutting down on alcohol can also cut the risk of cancer. There is a limited risk if you drink only a small amount, such as one small drink a day for women and two for men. One small drink is the equivalent of a small glass of wine or a half pint of premium beer.

Eating Healthily

The food we eat can help us stay healthy. A balanced diet is one that is high in fibre, vegetables and fruit, and low is red and processed meat, salt and saturated fat. Diet has been linked to cancers of the stomach, bowel, mouth and gullet.

Keeping a Healthy Weight

If you’re overweight, you could be increasing your risk of 7 types of cancer. By keeping control of your weight, with a BMI of between 18.5 and 25, you can help yourself to stay healthy.

Enjoying the Sun Safely

Sunburn is a sign that your skin’s been damaged – and you could be increasing the risk of skin cancer. Use a combination of shade, clothes and sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and a four star rating; and remember that the sun is usually strongest between 11am and 3pm. Avoid sunbeds: they are not a safe alternative. In fact, some rays from them can be 10-15 times* stronger than the midday sun.

Practising Safe Sex

Some sexually transmitted infections can increase the risk of cervical and other cancers. Using a condom can help reduce the chance of getting or spreading these viruses.

*Source: Gerber, B., et al., Ultraviolet emission spectra of sunbeds. Photochem Photobiol, 2002. 76: pp. 664-8