The Facts

Cancer Recovery Pyramid

Our Pyramid is built like all good structures, with a firm foundation. The lower blocks help those above to do their job and are equally important, so pay attention to them all.

The Pyramid was developed over a number of years, after we researched how 16,000 people survived cancer and became well again. All of the findings can be applied when preventing or treating cancer.

Click on each of the pyramid's building blocks for our advice on preventing cancer.

Cancer, like many diseases, is impacted by your lifestyle. Just as eating fatty foods can increase your chances of having a heart attack, it can also increase your chances of developing cancer.

In fact:

• 80,000 cases of cancer could be avoided every year thanks to healthier diets and more exercise.
• This includes 42% of breast cancer cases
• Even more people could avoid cancer and increase their chances of survival with additional simple lifestyle changes.
• Alcohol is responsible for about 13,000 cases of cancer every year.

What is cancer?
Cancer describes a group of more than 100 diseases. Each of these diseases is caused by cells growing abnormally. These abnormal cells increase in number and get together to form a tumour.

How do I make sure I don't get it?
While there is nothing you can do to guarantee that you will not develop cancer, there are plenty of things you can do to make it less likely. Everyday thoughts, actions and choices make a difference. Even simple changes can help you to be healthier, and could save your life and your family heartache.

It is important to consider yourself as a whole, as your mental wellbeing and happiness levels can directly affect your physical health. That is why your mind, body and spirit are represented in our pyramid.