Recent hot weather has prompted many people to fire up their barbecues and enjoy meals in their gardens. However, those opting for healthier choices like chicken and steak over sausages and burgers may unknowingly increase their cancer risk depending on how the meat is cooked, according to a cancer specialist.
Dr Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist and Medical Director at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, warns that heavily charred meat poses a health risk. While summer barbecues are acceptable, blackened meat should not become a regular habit. He explains: "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."
Other Cancer Risks in the Home
Dr Kubes also highlights nine other little-known items he would remove from his home to reduce unnecessary cancer risks. He emphasizes that no single product guarantees cancer, but reducing exposure to well-established risk factors can protect long-term health. "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," he says.
Damaged Non-Stick Frying Pans
Damaged non-stick pans are a cancer risk because scratches expose underlying materials to high heat, releasing toxic fumes and microscopic particles into food. These coatings often contain PFAS, "forever chemicals" linked to hormonal, immune, and cancer risks. Dr Kubes advises replacing pans if the coating is scratched, peeling, or flaking.
Disposable Plastic Bottles Left in Heat
Leaving single-use plastic bottles in hot cars or direct sunlight is not recommended. Dr Kubes says: "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."
DIY Dust
Fine dust from sanding wood, cutting concrete, or drilling into walls is a health hazard. Certain dusts, including silica dust, are known hazards. Dr Kubes advises good ventilation and appropriate respiratory protection during DIY projects.
Damaged Asbestos in Older Homes
Many older properties contain asbestos. Dr Kubes notes: "Asbestos isn’t usually dangerous if left undisturbed, but if fibres are released during renovation work they can significantly increase the risk of serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma."
Poor Kitchen Ventilation
Cooking at high temperatures creates airborne particles that build up indoors. Using an extractor fan or opening windows while cooking can improve indoor air quality, according to Dr Kubes.
Radon in Higher-Risk Areas
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking. Dr Kubes warns: "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."
Cigarettes
Smoking remains the single biggest preventable cause of cancer, responsible for more than one in four cancer deaths and around eight in 10 cases of lung cancer, according to Cancer Research UK. Dr Kubes states: "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."
Too Much Alcohol in the House
Alcohol is a recognised risk factor for several cancers. Dr Kubes suggests keeping alcohol for special occasions rather than everyday drinking to reduce overall intake.
A Home That Makes Unhealthy Choices Easy
The final change is not about removing an object but making healthy living the easiest option. Dr Kubes advises: "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 adds: "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."
