Exercising more, losing weight and drinking less could slash the the number of Britons getting cancer by 84,000 a year, according to health experts.

New figures from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) have shown that around a third of cancer cases in the UK could be prevented by making small changes towards healthier lifestyles.

More than 350,000 people in the UK were diagnosed with cancer in 2013 – the highest annual number of cases ever recorded – and the figure is expected to increase so long as levels of obesity and inactivity are also rising.

“The number of cases of cancer is increasing each year, but we mustn’t stand by idly and watch – there are things we can do,” said Rachel Thompson, WCRF’s head of research interpretation.

“There is no doubt that simple changes to diet and lifestyle can make a huge difference in the battle against cancer. Even minor adjustments, like 10 to 15 extra minutes of physical activity each day, cutting down on alcohol, or limiting your intake of high calorie foods and sugary drinks, will help decrease your cancer risk.”

The figures were released a day after the World Health Organisation announced its new 10-year physical activity strategy. The roadmap, which has been endorsed by the ministers of health of the 53 member states of the WHO European Region, aims to inspire governments and stakeholders to work towards increasing levels of physical activity through a number of objectives.

The new strategy calls on governments and stakeholders to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour by providing adequate and safe environments exercise. It also urges the provision of equal opportunities for physical activity, regardless of gender, age, income, education, ethnicity or disability; as well as efforts to remove barriers to physical activity.