GP Reveals Six Household Items She Avoids to Lower Cancer Risk

Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, has shared six everyday household items she deliberately avoids, aiming to reduce potential cancer risks. While she emphasises that no single change can entirely prevent cancer, certain home habits can lower exposure to established risk factors and act as prudent precautions against substances still under investigation.

Explaining her approach, Dr Maula said: “Cancer risk results from a combination of our genetics, age, environment, and long-term lifestyle choices. It would be misleading to suggest that discarding any one kitchen item can prevent cancer. However, because our homes influence what we eat, breathe and do daily, removing certain items helps make healthier choices automatic, while focusing on risks backed by strong evidence.”

Here are the six items she avoids:

Plastic chopping boards: Plastic boards can develop deep grooves, potentially releasing tiny particles as knives cut across them. Dr Maula prefers well-maintained wooden boards, using separate ones for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods. While research on microplastics and human health continues, she stresses this is a precaution rather than cause for alarm. Proper cleaning and timely replacement of any chopping board remain important.
Old takeaway tubs near the microwave: Though she does not avoid microwave use, Dr Maula avoids reheating food repeatedly in damaged takeaway containers or ones not marked microwave-safe. Heat can encourage some substances to migrate from unsuitable plastics into food. She recommends transferring food into glass or ceramic containers for reheating, noting that microwave-safe containers used as instructed are considered safe.
A permanent supply of processed meats like bacon, ham and sausages: Processed meats have been classified as carcinogenic due to their link with increased bowel cancer risk. While the risk is not equivalent to smoking, Dr Maula avoids keeping these as household staples, choosing fish, poultry, eggs, beans or lentils more regularly and reserving processed meats for occasional consumption.
Loose talcum powder: Dr Maula does not keep loose talcum powder at home, opting instead for talc-free or cream-based alternatives. Although talc is classified as probably carcinogenic, evidence regarding cosmetic use remains limited. As an easy precaution, she chooses to avoid loose powder, especially around intimate areas or in forms that might be inhaled.
Old or improperly stored sunscreen: Sunscreen products degrade over time, especially if expired or exposed to excessive heat, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Dr Maula checks expiry dates and replaces sunscreen if there are changes in texture, colour or smell. She emphasises that sunscreen is only one part of sun protection, alongside seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak midday sun.
Plastic-containing teabags: Some teabags include plastic either as sealants or mesh, which studies show can release microplastic particles when steeped in boiling water. While evidence linking these to cancer is currently lacking, Dr Maula prefers loose-leaf tea using a reusable metal infuser or clearly labelled plastic-free bags. This simple substitution reduces unnecessary plastic exposure while research continues.

She concludes by reinforcing that the most impactful cancer prevention measures remain avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, eating a balanced high-fibre diet, and protecting skin from ultraviolet radiation. Her household choices are intended to support these broader healthy habits rather than guarantee immunity from cancer.