Cancer is the common name used to describe many different conditions caused by the body's cells dividing uncontrollably. Some cancers have no obvious cause, making them very difficult to prevent. Others are inherited and are more likely to affect people who have a close family member with the same condition. Fortunately, the high risk cancer gene faults that run in some families are quite rare.
Sometimes, there is no clear reason why cancer develops. However, the risk of getting some cancers is increased by certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and poor diet.
According to Cancer Research UK, half of all cancers could be prevented by making lifestyle changes such as taking regular exercise or eating a healthier diet. Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can reduce the chances of you developing certain types of cancer by as much as 80%. Taking regular exercise can reduce the chances of you developing cancer by 25%.