Cancer is very common: over a third of us will develop cancer at some point in our lives, and very few of us will pass through life without the disease affecting the life of someone close to us.

There are over 200 different cancers that can occur in just about any part of the body: each has different causes, symptoms and types of treatment. There are many factors that lead to the development of cancer, including genetics, our environment, our life style - and chance.

Lifestyle is a significant factor. Research shows that about 50% of cancers in the UK could be prevented by adopting lifestyle changes. There are five particularly critical ways in which you can help to reduce the risk of developing cancer:

• Stopping smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption and following a healthy diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Protecting yourself from excessive exposure to the sun and harmful UV radiation
• Be watchful of any changes in your body and contacting your doctor if have any concerns

BookaTEST provide home screening test kits to help you to detect prostate cancer and bowel disorders (which may include colon or bowel cancer), and ensure that you seek urgent medical attention and advice should you have any concerns. It is important to remember that all cancers respond more readily and successful to treatment if detected at an early stage. Anxiety and worry is no reason to delay.