Three top cancer doctors reveal habits they swear by to stop the disease before it strikes

 Cutting out red meat, using suncream and keeping fit – these are all habits, we are told, that dramatically reduce our risk of cancer. 

For most of us, these simple lifestyle tweaks are easy; but are there any other preventative hacks that we're seldom told?

Cases are at a record high in the UK – more than 1000 Britons are diagnosed every day – and an alarming 11 cancers on the rise in the under-50s.

It's no surprise that prevention of the disease is a hot topic on social media, with millions of posts suggesting outlandish ways to fight tumours.

Some drink a green juice a day, while others ban household chemicals from their home. 

But what do the cancer experts do – the doctors who've spent decades attempting to eradicate the disease in patients?

The Daily Mail asked three leading oncologists about the habits they swear by to reduce their cancer risk. 

Some count on a trendy supplement, while others commit to a specific diet plan and take medical tests that ensure if they do get unlucky, their disease is caught early.

Nick James, Professor of Prostate and Bladder Cancer Research at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust 

I avoid barbecue meat - and bacon 

Prof James follows a Mediterranean-style diet – full of fruits, vegetables  and wholegrains – which has been shown to cut the risk of cancer by around 12 per cent. 

He also eats meat sparingly, opting instead for oily fish.

'It is entirely plausible to believe that having a healthy gut microbiome will lower your risk of cancer,' he says.

'And it's reasonable to assume eating a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables, avoiding ultra-processed foods and steering clear of saturated fats is a good way to do this. 

'I try not to eat meat everyday and avoid things like bacon and any meat that is burnt. Instead, my breakfast consists of yoghurt, nuts, seeds and fruit.' 

Charred meat is extremely high in heterocyclic amines, which are released when meat is cooked at very high temperatures. 

It is these compounds that have been linked to an increased risk of bowel, breast and prostate cancers. 

Creatine could prevent cancer - and help my body fight it if it strikes

There is no silver bullet when it comes to preventing cancer, Prof James says.

However, there is emerging research suggesting that creatine may supercharge immune cells that are key to fighting the disease. 

Creatine, which Prof James takes in supplement form, is a substance naturally produced by the liver, kidneys and pancreas, and helps with transporting energy around the body. 

Growing evidence suggests it could help support and preserve muscle mass as we age, reducing the effects of sarcopenia. 

But the evidence shows it has to be used alongside exercise – specifically resistance training – to make a difference. 

When combined with regular strength training, it has been shown to improve strength, support mobility and increase muscle mass.  

'Something that is glaringly obvious in my clinic is that people who exercise regularly and look after their muscle health age better,' Prof James said.

'As you age, you can't get away with the same risky behaviours you did as a youngster. But you can reduce your risk of things like hip fractures with regular exercise. 

'And if you're ageing better, then you're in a better position to withstand cancer treatment.'