A general practitioner has disclosed six common household items she chooses not to keep at home, aiming to reduce exposure to factors associated with cancer risk. Among these are plastic chopping boards and leftover sunscreen from the previous summer. While no single change can completely prevent cancer, Dr Asiya Maula emphasises that modifying daily habits can diminish contact with known risk elements and serve as sensible precautions against substances still under investigation.
Dr Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, explained: “Cancer risk is influenced by genetics, age, environment, and long-term lifestyle. It would be misleading to suggest that removing a single kitchen item will prevent cancer. However, as our homes greatly influence what we eat, breathe, and how we live each day, I prefer to exclude certain items to encourage healthier automatic choices, focusing on risks supported by solid evidence.”
Here are the six things Dr Maula avoids:
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- Plastic chopping boards
Repeated cutting on plastic boards can cause deep grooves that might release microscopic particles. Dr Maula opts for well-maintained wooden chopping boards instead, ensuring she uses separate boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
“While research into microplastics and their impact on human health continues, there is currently no definitive evidence linking plastic boards to cancer. My preference is precautionary rather than alarmist. Regardless of the material, it’s important to clean boards thoroughly and replace them when they become damaged,” she advised.
- Old takeaway containers left by the microwave
Though Dr Maula does not avoid using microwave ovens themselves, which use non-ionising radiation and do not make food radioactive, she refrains from reheating meals in damaged takeaway tubs or plastics not labelled microwave-safe.
“There is no credible evidence that microwaving food causes cancer. However, heat can sometimes cause unsuitable plastics to leach substances into food. Therefore, I transfer food to glass or ceramic containers before heating and use microwave-safe products as instructed,” she clarified.
- A constant supply of bacon, ham, and sausages
Processed meats are classified as carcinogenic to humans due to established links with increased bowel cancer risk. Dr Maula consciously avoids keeping these as a regular staple in her household.
“This classification signals strong evidence that processed meats can cause cancer, but it does not equate their risk to that posed by smoking. I tend to choose alternatives like fish, chicken, eggs, beans, or lentils more frequently, reserving processed meats for occasional consumption,” she said.
- Loose talcum powder
Dr Maula excludes loose talcum powder from her bathroom, opting instead for talc-free or cream-based products.
“The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified talc as probably carcinogenic, although human evidence remains limited. Cancer Research UK notes insufficient proof to definitively link talcum powder with cancer. This classification identifies a potential hazard rather than a direct measure of risk from occasional cosmetic use. Since I personally don’t require talc, avoiding it-especially around intimate areas or where it might be inhaled-is a simple precaution,” she explained.
- Old sunscreen from previous summers
Sunscreen that has passed its expiry date, been subjected to high temperatures, or opened beyond the recommended time may no longer provide effective protection.
“Ultraviolet radiation is a confirmed cause of skin cancer. I always check expiry and open-jar symbols and replace sunscreen that changes in texture, colour, or smell. Sunscreens form just one defence layer and should be combined with seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding the strongest midday sun,” Dr Maula noted.
- Plastic-containing teabags
Certain teabags contain plastic in their seals or mesh, which may release micro- and nanoplastic particles when brewed in boiling water.
“Currently, there is no evidence linking tea brewed from plastic-containing bags to cancer. This is another precautionary choice rather than a medical warning. Given tea is consumed multiple times daily by many, I prefer loose-leaf tea with a reusable metal infuser or bags labelled plastic-free. This small change reduces unnecessary plastic exposure while research continues into the long-term health effects,” she advised.
Dr Maula concluded: “The most significant reductions in cancer risk come from not smoking, drinking less alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, consuming a balanced high-fibre diet, and protecting skin from UV rays.
“My household choices support these broader healthy habits-not because any single wooden board, glass container, or product guarantees protection from cancer.”