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Prevention
 Preventing Cancer
This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, July 17, 2008.
Cancer Prevention ~ A Lifestyle Choice
About two-thirds of cancers in Canada could be prevented if Canadians adopted healthier
lifestyles (Canadian Cancer Society). Everyone has a certain risk of developing cancer and
this risk increases or decreases depending on the choices you make. Cancer prevention
includes:
- Making lifestyle choices that seek to eliminate the causes of cancer and prevent it from
getting started in the first place
- Undergoing screening to find cancer so it can be treated early
Improve Your Lifestyle - Reduce Your Risk
Did you know that smoking, poor dietary habits and physical inactivity account for more
than 50% of all fatal cancers in Ontario?
Here are three simple ways you can reduce your risk:
Live to Be Smoke Free - By not smoking you reduce your risk to not only lung
cancer but cancer of the larynx, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, cervix and bladder. For
information about reducing tobacco use click here to link to our
Smoking and Tobacco Use Prevention Site.
Enjoy Healthy Eating -There is now strong evidence that a diet with plenty of
vegetables and fruits reduces the risk of cancer of the colon, lung, stomach, mouth,
pharynx and esophagus. The Canadian Cancer society recommends a diet low in fat and high
in fibre. This will not only help prevent cancer but protects you against other diseases
like heart disease, diabetes and obesity. For information on how to enjoy healthy eating
click here to link to our Nutrition &
Healthy Eating Site.
Let's Get Active ! - By becoming more active and maintaining an ideal body
weight you reduce the risk of colorectal, uterus, breast and kidney cancer. For
information about becoming more active click here to link to our
Active Living Site.
Screening - Keep the Doubt Out!
Screening detects cancer at an early stage when it is more likely to be cured. It can
greatly influence the outcome of some cancers. For example, cancer of the cervix is almost
completely preventable with regular PAP test screening. Follow the links on the sidebar
for more specific information on breast cancer and cervical cancer screening. Talk to a
health professional about the importance of early detection of cancer through screening.
It's Your Body - It's Your Choice
Based on the the Canadian Cancer Society's Seven Steps to Health, follow these
recommendations to reduce your risk of developing cancer:
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Choose not to smoke and avoid second hand smoke.
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Healthy Body Weight (BMI) - being physically active on
a regular basis will help maintain a healthy body weight
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Oh, oh, Ozone - reduce your sun exposure regularly and
report any changes to your doctor
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Inform your health care provider if you notice any
change in your normal state of health
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Cancer screening for women - discuss mammograms, pap
tests and breast exams with a health professional. For men discuss testicular exams
and prostrate screening with a health professional. Both men and women should discuss
colon and rectal cancers.
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Environmental pollution - follow health and safety
instructions at home and at work when using, storing and disposing of hazardous materials.
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Strive for Five - eat 5 to 10 servings of vegetables
and fruit a day. Choose high fibre, lower fat foods. If you drink alcohol limit your
intake to 1 to 2 drinks a day. |
Links
For more detailed information on cancer prevention, intriguing research, the latest
statistics and "hot issues" (like, "Domestic Use of Pesticides and
Cancer", "Antiperspirants and Cancer", "Soy sauce and Cancer", to
name a few) and for information on cancer support services (emotional support,
transportation services etc.) check out these websites:
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