Doctor says 'three minute rule' could help save you from cancer with 20% survival rate
A cancer specialist has revealed one simple habit he follows which could help reduce the risk of developing a disease with a five-year survival rate of just 20 percent.
Whilst smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are among the most widely known cancer risk factors, experts have warned that other everyday habits may also be worth paying attention to.
Four cancer specialists recently shared the lifestyle choices they personally avoid, covering everything from excessive sun exposure and inactivity to neglecting changes in the body.
Clinical oncologist Dr Andy Gaya was among those to explain the precautions he takes, stressing that there is no guaranteed way of preventing cancer altogether.
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However, one of his recommendations could be particularly relevant to anyone who regularly drinks tea or coffee.
Dr Gaya, who specialises in treating gastrointestinal cancers, said he avoids drinking beverages while they are extremely hot because of their association with oesophageal cancer.
According to Stylist, most people serve tea at temperatures between 70°C and 80°C, whilst oesophageal cancer has a five-year survival rate of around 20 percent.
His advice is to leave a hot drink for three minutes before drinking it, allowing the temperature to drop first. The specialist said that waiting three minutes ‘costs nothing’, advising people to let their drink cool slightly before consuming it.
Dr Gaya also warned that healthy lifestyle changes should not be treated as a guarantee against developing the disease.
He said: “Taking [healthy] measures won’t guarantee a cancer-free life as roughly 50% of us will have cancer in our lifetime.”
“But it’ll reduce the risk of avoidable cancers. I live by the philosophy of ‘everything in moderation – including moderation.’”
The oncologist also highlighted vitamin D as another area he pays close attention to, saying: “Many UK adults are deficient in vitamin D by the end of winter, and low levels are consistently associated with higher rates of colorectal, breast and prostate cancer.”
He added: “Vitamin D plays a direct role in regulating cell growth and preventing the uncontrolled cell proliferation that defines cancer. The UK receives insufficient sunlight for skin synthesis for roughly six months of the year, and a daily supplement costs literally pennies. I take vitamin D every day.
“In 20 years of oncology practice, it is perhaps the simplest and most cost-effective cancer protection measure I know.”
Other habits Dr Gaya said he avoids include becoming socially isolated, skipping suncream on cloudy days, and accepting chronic stress as a normal part of everyday life.
Fellow specialists also highlighted other measures they personally take, including checking for physical changes, maintaining regular exercise, and limiting unnecessary exposure to UV radiation.
Dr Anil Joshi, an ENT specialist and cancer expert, meanwhile said he uses the time spent brushing his teeth to check his mouth for abnormalities such as ulcers, bleeding, and red or white patches.
The experts stressed that these measures cannot completely prevent cancer, but could form part of wider lifestyle changes intended to reduce avoidable risk.
Ben Williams