A first-degree relative with breast cancer approximately doubles your lifetime risk compared to the general population. However, most women with a family history do not develop breast cancer. What it does mean is that you may benefit from earlier or more frequent screening, and possibly genetic counselling to assess for BRCA1 or BRCA2 variants. We help you understand your specific risk level and what actionable steps follow from it.

Yes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with meaningfully increased risk of several cancers including colorectal, liver, pancreatic, endometrial, and bladder cancers. The mechanisms involve insulin resistance, elevated IGF-1, chronic inflammation, and in some cases, certain diabetes medications. Managing blood sugar well reduces but does not fully eliminate this elevated risk. This is one of the most important chronic illness-to-cancer connections we address in prevention consultations.

Recommended screenings vary by age, sex, and risk level. Generally: women should receive cervical screening (Pap and HPV co-test) every three to five years from age 21–25; mammography is recommended from age 40–50 depending on risk; colorectal screening typically begins at age 45 for average-risk adults. Men with elevated prostate cancer risk, particularly Black men, who face higher rates, should discuss PSA testing from age 40–45. We review your specific situation and tell you exactly what you should have done and when.

The evidence is real but context-dependent. Excess body weight is a confirmed risk factor for at least 13 cancer types. Regular physical activity reduces risk of colorectal, breast, and endometrial cancers with meaningful effect sizes. A diet high in processed meat and low in fibre increases colorectal cancer risk. Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen with dose-dependent risk across multiple cancer sites. These are not soft recommendations, they are established associations. What we do in this consultation is translate the evidence into a practical plan for your specific situation.