A GP has revealed how Brits can slash their cancer risk at home by making various changes. Dr Asiya Maula explained that, while no household can ever be entirely risk-free, minimising daily exposure to harmful toxins may help reduce cumulative danger over time.

She emphasised it wasn't about creating fear or alarm, but rather raising awareness - particularly as Brits now spend more time indoors than ever before. Dr Asiya Maula, a GP at The Health Suite in Leicester, said much of the risk stems from items people typically consider harmless.

"Cancer risk isn't about one single thing," she said. "It's about what the body is dealing with every day, for years or even decades."

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How Brits can cut their long-term cancer risk at home Reconsider plastic in the kitchen

Plastic food containers, bottles and cling film can leak chemicals, particularly when heated or deteriorated.

"Some plastics contain chemicals that can interfere with hormone signalling," Dr Maula said, explaining that hormones play a crucial role in how cells grow and divide, so repeated disruption over time may heighten cancer risk. She recommends swapping to glass or stainless steel and never microwaving food in plastic.

Indoor air can frequently be more contaminated than outdoor air due to cooking fumes, candles, sprays and inadequate ventilation. "Long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants may contribute to inflammation in the body," Dr Maula said, emphasising that simply opening windows each day and running extractor fans can genuinely help.

Watch what you clean with

Numerous household cleaning products are packed with aggressive chemicals formulated to eliminate bacteria and cut through grease.

"These products exist to destroy biological material," she said. "Repeated exposure in enclosed spaces may irritate the body over time," suggesting gentler, unscented alternatives wherever feasible.

Think twice about pesticides indoors

Pesticides aren't confined to agricultural settings - they're commonplace in domestic environments too, typically in sprays and various treatments.

"They're designed to kill living organisms," Dr Maula said. "The concern is what low-level exposure might be doing to human cells, particularly for children," recommending thorough washing of fruit and veg whilst minimising chemical pest control inside the home.

Dial down the ultra-processed foods

What families keep in their cupboards and prepare in their kitchens matters significantly, with ultra-processed foods associated with obesity, insulin resistance and persistent inflammation - all recognised cancer risk factors. Dr Maula emphasised the goal isn't absolute perfection.

"It's about reducing the overall toxic load," she said. "Small changes, done consistently, can add up over time - and making your home a lower-exposure environment is one practical way to protect long-term health."

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