Doctors reveal seven ways Gen Z can help reduce risk of early on-set cancer

It doesn't matter how old you are, cancer can affect you at any time. And now health experts have revealed the key steps young people can take to help prevent early onset cancer

It's never too early to look after your health and now a doctor has revealed how younger generations can help prevent cancer.

Recent research has found that Gen Z and Millenials are at a higher risk of developing certain cancers, including colon cancer, compared to older people, proving that younger people need to be aware of the disease sooner rather than later.

If you find yourself worrying about the risks of developing cancer, there are nine ways you can help stop it in its tracks, according to leading doctors. The experts have shared some of their top tips to ease your mind and reduce the risk of early-onset cancer.

FIrstly, Dr Elena Stoffel, a director of Rogel's Cancer Genetics Clinic, recommends being open with your doctor. "It's incredibly important to talk to your doctor about your family history of cancer. If you say, 'Actually, there are several people in my family who have all been diagnosed with colorectal cancer,' that should set off red flags, bells and whistles," she told Tyla.

The expert said that discussion will help to "develop a plan" for how your doctors can take better care of you. Understanding your family history can help when it comes to future illnesses.

There are also certain lifestyle changes that can help you live an longer life, including stopping smoking and limiting alcohol intake. A study reported in the New York Post stated that 1.2 million lung deaths could be prevented in 70 years, just by banning tobacco products for those born between 2006 and 2010. Additionally, The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health found that smoking can cause at least 16 types of cancer and is also linked to six further types. Drinking alcohol can also contribute towards different types of cancers.

Another lifestyle change to consider is having a healthy diet full of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The National Library of Medicine found that dietary and lifestyle modification could help with early-onset colorectal cancer prevention.

Just by increasing your intake of fibre, you can help 'significantly' lower the risk of cancer. It's also worth considering lowering your intake of red meat, refined grains and sugar. It's also crucial to keep yourself fit and active as not only will it help your health and weight, obesity can put you at risk of several types of cancers.

Experts also report a link between a lack of sleep and the risk of cancer, with Johns Hopkins Medicine stating that 'sleep and cancer are intertwined'. Experts recommend between seven to nine hours of shut eye a night, and lack of sleep can increase your risk of developing breast, ovary, prostate or colon cancer, acording to reports.

We all know how important it is to whack on the SPF every day, but it's vital for a reason. Even though we aren't blessed with the sun much in the UK, it's still important to keep yourself protected all year round.

Finally, University of Michigan researchers advise protecting yourselves against air pollution. Using air filters can help with this and according to the World Health Organization: "Air pollution is a significant and far-reaching threat to public health, with 99% of the world's population breathing unhealthy air."

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