Treatments for cancer can be unpleasant and costly, both for patients and the health service. Preventing cancer is, therefore, beneficial to patients, their families, their communities and the economy. As the population ages, the incidence of cancer is increasing. It is, therefore, important to consider health strategies that combat this situation, including implementation of effective measures to prevent cancer. This article will discuss the preventable risk factors for different cancers and suggest practical, evidence-based ways of addressing risk factors within the time constraints of general practice consultations. In the UK, cancer screening programmes can detect early cancers and some, such as the cervical screening programme, also prevent cancer. It is important to be able to discuss screening with patients and explain the associated benefits and harms.
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