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Tuesday, 6 October 2026dailybeirut.com
Health
Dr Asiya Maula outlines six lifestyle habits and six risks to address as WHO data shows rising cancer rates in adults under 50.
New research indicates substantial increases in several cancers among people under 50. The World Health Organisation estimates that 37% of new global cancer cases in 2022 were linked to preventable causes, including tobacco, alcohol, excess body weight, physical inactivity, UV exposure, air pollution, and cancer-causing infections.
Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, stated that while genetics, age, environment, and chance play roles, sustainable lifestyle changes can reduce risk over a lifetime. She emphasized that this is not about blaming individuals or demanding perfection, but making meaningful adjustments now.
Movement should become a normal part of the week rather than a tool solely for weight loss. The NHS recommends adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, alongside strength exercises. Dr Maula noted that walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, or breaking up long periods of sitting all count toward this goal.
Dietary fiber intake requires attention. Regular consumption of wholegrains, beans, lentils, fruit, and vegetables is linked to reduced bowel cancer risk and helps maintain healthy weight. Dr Maula advised focusing on adding these foods to meals rather than simply removing items, noting that oats and pulses provide nutrients alongside fiber.
Skin protection remains critical as UV radiation is a recognized cause of skin cancer. The NHS recommends using sunscreen of at least SPF30, seeking shade, and avoiding sunbeds. Dr Maula clarified that complete sun avoidance is unnecessary, but repeated burning and deliberate tanning are habits worth quitting.
Screening invitations for cervical, breast, or bowel cancer should not be ignored due to feeling healthy. These tests detect changes before symptoms appear. Dr Maula described screening as one of the simplest actions available because it does not depend on noticing a symptom, urging patients not to discard invitations.
Family history informs medical advice. If close relatives had cancer, particularly at a young age, patients should inform their GP. Some cancers have inherited genetic components. The NHS advises discussing genetic testing where there is significant family history or known faulty cancer-risk genes. Dr Maula explained that knowing this history helps doctors determine if additional monitoring is needed.
Weight management lowers the risk of at least 13 different types of cancer, according to Cancer Research UK. Dr Maula stressed prioritizing long-term health over chasing specific scale numbers, advocating for small, sustainable diet and activity changes instead of extreme diets.
Smoking stands as the leading preventable cause of cancer globally, responsible for an estimated 15% of all new cases per latest WHO/IARC analysis. Dr Maula identified stopping smoking as one of the most powerful health actions possible, recommending professional support from GPs or stop-smoking services rather than relying on willpower alone.
Alcohol consumption carries no completely safe level regarding cancer risk. It causes at least seven types of cancer, with Cancer Research UK advising that less consumption equals lower risk. Dr Maula suggested having several alcohol-free days each week, reducing amounts, and avoiding binge drinking without waiting for a problem to develop.
Processed meat, including bacon, ham, sausages, and salami, raises bowel cancer risk according to Cancer Research UK. The WCRF identifies high red and processed meat diets as modifiable cancer factors. Dr Maula clarified that occasional consumption differs from habitual patterns, recommending plant foods, wholegrains, and pulses as dietary staples.
Sedentary behavior persists even among those who exercise regularly. Dr Maula warned that workouts do not cancel out hours of sitting. She recommended getting up regularly, walking during phone calls, taking stairs, and finding opportunities to break up long sitting periods.
Tanning products offer safer alternatives to UV exposure. Deliberate sun exposure damages DNA and significantly raises skin cancer likelihood. Dr Maula stated there is no such thing as a healthy sunbed tan, suggesting fake-tanning products for those wanting the appearance of a tan.
Persistent symptoms require medical evaluation. Changes in health should not be automatically blamed on stress, ageing, diet, or youth. Dr Maula distinguished between reducing risk and spotting cancer early, noting both matter. She urged speaking to a GP if something is persistent, unusual, or worsening.
