In the case of cancer, primary prevention aims to disseminate knowledge about the causes of cancer and to promote health-promoting behaviour.

Impact of lifestyle on cancer development

A significant proportion of the factors influencing the development of cancer depend on a person's lifestyle. A person has an impact on modifying and reducing the risk of developing cancer. Approximately 70% of malignant tumours are the result of poor lifestyle, poor diet and the effects of harmful factors from the surrounding environment.

Factors influencing the onset of cancer and the percentage with which they increase the risk of developing the disease:

• smoking - 30%,
• diet - 30%,
• infections - 5%,
• occupational factors - 5%,
• sexual behaviour,
• fertility - 4%,
• alcohol - 3%,
• environmental pollution - 2%.

Addictions and cancer development

Among addictions, smoking is the most significant factor in the development of cancer. Of the 4,000 substances that tobacco smoke contains, more than 40 are carcinogenic, i.e. compounds that affect the formation of cancer cells. As a result, smoking is a major factor in the development of up to 90% of lung cancers, 80-90% of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus.

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Alcohol abuse increases the carcinogenic effect of tobacco smoke. Populations with high fat and meat consumption have a higher incidence of colorectal cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer, while the interaction of other factors is not excluded.