Up to 40% of cancers are attributable to modifiable risk factors, including diet, obesity, alcohol, tobacco use, and physical inactivity. The WCRF estimates that about 1 in 3 cancer cases in high-income countries could be prevented by healthier diets, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular physical activity. And according to the National Cancer Institute in the US, physical inactivity is a recognized risk factor for colon, breast, and endometrial cancer.
But even with the best intentions there’s a lot of confusion around lifestyle and cancer. One day it’s red meat, the next it’s microwaves. We hear about them in headlines, social media posts or passed around in conversation, which can make it really hard to know what matters most.
I’m joined today by Professor Robert Thomas, an NHS oncologist and researcher who’s spent decades studying how lifestyle (from food and movement to gut health and supplements) affects cancer risk and recovery.
We talk about …
🧠 Common cancer myths - mushrooms and herbs
🥗 Anticancer diets – What to eat to reduce your risk.
🦠 Gut health & cancer – The powerful connection between your microbiome and cancer.
🔥 Inflammation & risk – How chronic inflammation increases cancer susceptibility.
🏃♂️ Exercise & cancer – The science behind how movement helps fight cancer cells.
🧴 Microplastics & personal care products – The hidden risks in everyday items.
💄 Aluminium in makeup & deodorants – Investigating the potential health impacts.
👶 Fertility impact – How lifestyle and environmental exposures may affect reproductive health.
He’s also recently appointed Head of Integrative Oncology at The Royal London Hospital for Integrative Medicine making him the UK’s first NHS Integrative Oncologist, to complement his existing role as an NHS Consultant Oncologist at Addenbrooke's and Bedford Hospitals. He is also a Clinical Teacher at Cambridge University. At the start of our conversation we talk about his new role and the types of patients he encounters.
View the podcast on our YouTube Channel
You can find out more from Professor on his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ProfThomasMD
Books: How to Live, Keeping healthy with Cancer
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