Cancer prevention

Learn how a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of cancer

Did you know? 4 out of 10 cancer cases can be prevented. For example, we can watch what we eat, choose not to smoke, limit our alcohol consumption and take regular exercise. 

Stopping cancer before it starts is a key goal of the Irish Cancer Society. In the sections below you can learn how to reduce your cancer risk by having healthy habits in your daily life.

12 ways to reduce your cancer risk

The European Code Against Cancer, developed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the European Commission 2014,  aims to inform people about actions they can take for themselves or their families to reduce their risk of cancer.

Cancer specialists and scientists from across Europe compiled the code based on the latest scientific evidence on cancer prevention. It consists of 12 recommendations that most people can follow without any special skills or advice. The more recommendations people follow, the lower their risk of cancer will be.

12 ways to reduce your cancer risk
12 ways to reduce your cancer risk
Booklet 4 pages 1.13 MB
There are many things you can do to reduce your cancer risk by making small changes. This leaflet is based on the European Code Against Cancer.

Cancer risk factors and building healthy habits

In this section you can learn how to reduce your cancer risk by having healthy habits in your daily life.

Read about risk factors such as alcohol, diet and smoking and how best to reduce your cancer risk. 

If you'd like to discuss any of this information our Cancer Nurses are here for you on our Freephone Support Line on 1800 200 700.