Fresh advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment are happening daily, yet there remain a number of steps people can take to lower their personal risk of developing the condition. This week the UK Government unveiled a new objective for three-quarters of cancer patients to either be completely cured or managing well with the disease by 2035.

If this succeeds it will represent a substantial improvement in survival figures, with approximately 60 per cent of patients currently living for five years following diagnosis. While cancer can strike anyone, different forms of the illness and risk factors differ between males and females.

Despite men being more prone to developing the condition, rates are climbing far more rapidly among women. Data from the World Cancer Research Fund shows that the number of women in the UK being diagnosed with cancer rose by 3.7 per cent between 2019 and 2021. Figures for men climbed by 0.2 per cent during the same timeframe.

• Best perfume and aftershaves for Valentine's Day as chosen by a former Boots worker


• 3 must-see shows coming to Disney Plus including action-packed thriller

The gap in case numbers between males and females also narrowed from approximately 12,900 in 2019 to 6,500 in 2021, the statistics showed, reports the Express.

Cancer rates amongst younger people are also on the rise.

Figures from Cancer Research UK indicate that cases amongst those aged 25 to 49 jumped by 24 per cent between 1995 and 2019. Nevertheless, nine in ten cancer diagnoses occur in individuals aged 50 and above.

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the UK, representing approximately 26 per cent of all diagnoses.

Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease among women, accounting for 30 per cent of female cases.

Speaking to Indian news outlet the Hindustan Times, gynaecological oncologist Dr Asima Mukhopadhyay outlined five steps women should take to lower their cancer risk.

1: Limit alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine: Dr Mukhopadhyay says drinking alcohol and smoking can increase cancer risk, while caffeine can lead to sleep problems and acid reflux, weakening the immune system, which can, in turn, increase the risk of cancer. She recommends substituting caffeine for green tea, which is a good source of antioxidants.

2: Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity has been shown to be a major cause of various forms of cancer. Dr Mukhopadhyay recommends women should do between 30 and 45 minutes of physical exercise a day, such as yoga, brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

3: Manage stress: Dealing with stress and getting enough sleep will support hormonal health and lower cancer risk in the long term, Dr Mukhopadhyay says. She recommends practising mindfulness, meditation, or a digital detox - turning off all your devices for a set period of time.

4: Eat a healthy diet: Dr Mukhopadhyay recommends a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, plant-based food, beans, and whole grains. She also advises limiting food high in fat, calories, and added sugar, as well as red meat, saturated fat, trans fat, and refined grains.

5: Attend regular screenings: All women should attend screening appointments, as well as carry out self-examinations of their breasts on a regular basis, Dr Mukhopadhyay says. She also says all teenagers should get the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, which is offered to children aged 12 and 13 in the UK. Those with a family history of cancer should also speak to their doctor about what screening tests are available, as they may be at greater risk of developing the condition at a younger age.