Cancer is a cruel disease that affects not only the person who has been diagnosed, but everyone around them. Around 36,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland each year, according to Public Health Scotland . The illness can be caused by lifestyle factors like diet and how much alcohol you drink . And as summer descends, some healthier ways of living can fall by the wayside, perhaps in place of a knees up with friends in the garden. However, Dr Jiri Kubes, a leading oncologist at Proton Therapy Center in Prague, is warning how a popular barbecue food and drink pairing could increase cancer risk – without you even realising. As Brits fire up the grill in the sun this summer, many will be indulging in sizzling sausages, burgers and cold beers – but experts say this classic combo might do more harm than good. Processed meats and alcohol contain problematic chemicals, and are more deadly when consumed together. This is because they may enhance each other’s cancer-causing effects, especially when scoffed in the same sitting. Dr Jiri Kubes says the problem lies in how alcohol impacts your body’s ability to process harmful compounds. “Processed and chargrilled meats already contain chemicals that have been linked to increased cancer risk – such as nitrates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),” he explained. “But when you consume alcohol alongside them, it can make it easier for these carcinogens to be absorbed into the bloodstream – it’s quite the deadly combination.” Dr Kubes says alcohol acts as a kind of ‘carrier,’ damaging the lining of the mouth, throat and stomach, and making it easier for cancer-causing compounds to take hold. “This is why drinking alcohol and eating processed meat at the same time – like a hot dog with a beer – can be more harmful than either one on its own,” he added. There’s no need to avoid the occasional summer blowout, but Dr Kubes suggests making some smart swaps. “Try grilled fish, veggie skewers or lean meats like chicken instead of heavily processed sausages or burgers,” he said. “Keep your drinking moderate and pair it with fresh salads or wholegrains, which are rich in fibre and antioxidants.” It’s also important not to over-char food on the grill. “The blackened, burnt bits may taste good, but they’re often full of carcinogenic compounds,” he went on. “Keep your flame low, and avoid cooking meat until it’s crisp or black.” Education is key to bringing public awareness to these food combinations, Dr Kubes added. “Many people think it’s fine to have a few drinks and a burger now and then , but if it’s happening frequently over summer, the risks can quietly build up,” he cautioned. “Small changes now can have a big impact on your long-term health.”