Dr Jiri Kubes has explained items and habits to remove from your home to lower the cancer risk
From old non-stick frying pans to DIY dust and disposable plastic bottles left baking in the sun, a leading cancer doctor has listed the everyday household items and habits he’d think twice about if he wanted to reduce unnecessary cancer risks. While no single product in your home is guaranteed to cause cancer, experts say reducing exposure to well-established risk factors where possible can play an important role in protecting your long-term health.
Dr Jiri Kubes, radiation oncologist and Medical Director at Proton Therapy Center, said: “People often assume cancer prevention is about one dramatic lifestyle change, but in reality it’s usually lots of small, sensible decisions that add up over time.
“We can’t eliminate cancer risk completely, but we can reduce our exposure to certain avoidable hazards and make healthier choices every day.”
The 10 things a cancer doctor would remove or change
1. Damaged non-stick frying pans
If the non-stick coating is scratched, peeling or flaking, Dr Kubes says it’s time to replace it.
“Modern non-stick cookware is generally considered safe when used correctly, but damaged pans should be replaced and it’s sensible to avoid overheating them unnecessarily.”
2. Disposable plastic bottles left in the heat
Leaving single-use plastic bottles baking in hot cars or direct sunlight isn’t something Dr Kubes recommends.
“I’d avoid repeatedly reusing disposable plastic bottles, particularly after they’ve been exposed to high temperatures. It’s a simple change that helps reduce unnecessary chemical exposure.”
3. Heavily charred barbecue food
Summer barbecues are fine, but blackened meat shouldn’t become a regular habit.
He said: “When meat is cooked at very high temperatures until it’s heavily charred, chemicals called HCAs and PAHs can form. You don’t need to avoid barbecues, but try not to regularly eat burnt meat.”
4. DIY dust
Whether you’re sanding wood, cutting concrete or drilling into walls, fine dust is something Dr Kubes takes seriously.
“Certain dusts, including silica dust, are known health hazards. Good ventilation and appropriate respiratory protection during DIY projects are always sensible.”
5. Damaged asbestos in older homes
Many older properties still contain asbestos.
Dr Kubes said: “Asbestos isn’t usually dangerous if it’s left undisturbed, but if fibres are released during renovation work they can significantly increase the risk of serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma.”
6. Poor kitchen ventilation
Cooking, particularly at high temperatures, creates airborne particles that build up indoors.
“Something as simple as using an extractor fan or opening windows while cooking can improve indoor air quality.”
7. Radon in higher-risk areas
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking.
“Most people never think about radon, but if you live in an area where it’s more common it’s worth checking whether your home should be tested.”
8. Cigarettes
Smoking remains the single biggest preventable cause of cancer.
“If there was one habit I’d remove completely, it would be smoking. There really isn’t a safe level of tobacco exposure, including second-hand smoke.”
9. Too much alcohol in the house
Dr Kubes says alcohol is a recognised risk factor for several cancers.
“Keeping alcohol for special occasions rather than everyday drinking can make it easier to reduce your overall intake.”
10. A home that makes unhealthy choices easy
The final change isn’t about removing an object at all.
“I’d make healthy living the easiest option. Keep fruit where you can see it, wear sunscreen, stay physically active, avoid smoking and limit alcohol. Those habits have far more impact on cancer risk than many people realise.”
Dr Kubes added: “I don’t want people to become anxious about every item in their home. Cancer is a complex disease with many different causes, and there is rarely one single factor responsible.
“The important message is that many of the biggest cancer risks are modifiable. Small, practical changes repeated consistently over many years really can make a difference to your overall health.”