Top 10 Common Cancers and Ways to Reduce Your Risk in 2025

World Cancer Day is on February 4th every year. It is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to help more people learn about cancer, encourage ways to prevent it and improve access to treatments.

This day focuses on the importance of finding cancer early, making healthy life choices, and the progress in medical treatments that help reduce cancer’s impact.

Some types of cancer are more common than others, and while not all cancers can be prevented, many can be avoided by eating well, staying active, not using tobacco, and getting regular health checks.

Keep reading to learn about the most common cancers and how to lower your risk.

10 Most common cancers and how you can lower risk

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). You can lower your risk of cervical cancer by getting vaccinated against HPV, having regular Pap smears, and practising safe sex.

Skin cancer

Excessive UV exposure is the main risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma. To help prevent it, wear sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, and get regular skin checks.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in women, can have its risk reduced by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, limiting alcohol intake, and having regular screenings such as mammograms for early detection.

Lung Cancer

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. However, exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, and radon gas also play a role.

Quitting smoking and minimizing exposure to environmental pollutants can significantly lower the risk.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer, more common in older men, can have its risk reduced by eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids and getting regular checkups.

Early detection through PSA tests is also crucial for managing this cancer effectively.

Stomach cancer

Infection with H. pylori bacteria, excessive salt intake, and consuming smoked foods can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help lower the chances of developing this type of cancer.

 Liver cancer

Infections with hepatitis B and C, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity increase the risk of liver cancer. Getting vaccinated against hepatitis and limiting alcohol intake are effective preventive measures.

 Oesophageal cancer

Risk factors for oesophagal cancer include acid reflux (GERD), smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Lowering the risk can be achieved by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and managing acid reflux effectively.

Pancreatic cancer

Smoking, obesity, and chronic pancreatitis contribute to pancreatic cancer. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol use helps reduce the risk.

Colorectal cancer

Eating a diet rich in fiber, reducing processed meats, and staying physically active can help prevent colorectal cancer.

Regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, are also important as they can detect precancerous polyps early on.

While genetics play a role in some cancers, lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, early screenings, and vaccinations can significantly lower cancer risks