It's estimated that one in two of us will develop cancer at some stage in our lives. With cancer, there are no guarantees. However, from my experience over 50 years in medicine, here are ten tips which can help reduce that risk. 1. You are what you eat ‑ we run on what we put in. If it's processed junk, our health reflects that. That's not to say we can never enjoy a treat but there needs to be a balance. 2. A pandemic of obesity ‑ the consequences of being dangerously overweight are vast. An increased risk of cancer is part of that, as are serious heart and joint problems. 3. Healthy habits ‑ getting fit does not happen by accident. Studies show decreased risk of cancer for those who exercise regularly. It doesn't have to be a half-marathon or 90 minutes of football. Top tip? Walk, walk and walk some more. A massively underrated form of exercise, free and accessible. A dog can help as your trainer. 4. Moderation ‑ alcohol every now and again won't harm. But consistent, excessive consumption puts your body under extreme pressure, the liver in particular. I'm not suggesting you cut it out but slow down and show sense. 5. Less worrying ‑ the world is full of worries we can't change. Focus on what you can control. Stress can do horrible things. It can eat away at a person in ways we do not fully understand. Stress is a poison so anything you can do to reduce it will only be a positive. 6. Enjoy the sun safely ‑ being in the fresh air is great for health and I fully encourage it but when the sun is strong take correct precautions. Cover exposed skin or use suncream ‑ skin cancer is a horrid disease. Sun radiation damages cells. 7. Safe sex ‑ an awkward topic but ignoring it only makes the situation worse. Certain sexually transmitted infections play a huge role in the development of cancer, especially for women. It can affect the ability to carry a child and give birth. If you have sex with multiple partners, take precautions by using barrier contraception. 8. Smoking kills ‑ most tips have some ambiguity and the risks are not always clear-cut. Not smoking. It can cause cancer anywhere and it releases harmful chemicals into your body and the surrounding air. I have treated multiple heavy smokers for an entirely avoidable disease. 9. Early diagnosis ‑ sometimes it is not possible to prevent cancer but we can stop it growing if we catch it early. Screening lets us tackle it in stage one or two, with far greater survival odds and less complicated treatment. 10. Perhaps most importantly ‑ if you have concerning and persistent symptoms, get checked. Symptoms are diverse, but generally it continues over time and worsens. It's your health. Take responsibility for it!