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Call 13 11 20 for information and support

Nutrition, alcohol and physical activity

As well as independently reducing cancer risk, a combination of eating well, limiting or avoiding alcohol, and being more active can help us maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of cancers associated with excess body weight. 

There is strong evidence linking excess body fat to an increased risk of 13 types of cancer. While not everyone living in a larger body is unhealthy — and not everyone living in a smaller body is healthy — adopting healthy behaviours like eating well and being physically active, can help reduce cancer risk for people of all body sizes.

Four people in athletic wear sit on yoga mats, smiling and chatting during a fitness break. Four people in athletic wear sit on yoga mats, smiling and chatting during a fitness break.
Nutrition and cancer

Eating patterns based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines will give you energy for everyday life, and while there is no one food on its own that can protect against cancer, a healthy diet overall can help reduce the risk of some cancers.
Several people hold pint glasses of beer at a wooden table. Several people hold pint glasses of beer at a wooden table.
Alcohol and cancer

When it comes to cancer risk there is no safe level of drinking, and the risk increases the more you drink. Cancer Council SA recommends to avoid or limit drinking alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, follow the National Health and Medical Research Alcohol guidelines of no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. The less you choose to drink, the lower your risk of alcohol related harm. For some people, not drinking at all is the safest option.
Three people walking and chatting outdoors near a tree, with water bottles. Three people walking and chatting outdoors near a tree, with water bottles.
Physical activity and cancer

Being physically active is one of the most important things you can do to improve your mental and physical health and reduce your risk of cancer.