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. | Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death among Canadians. The number of new cancer cases in Canada each year is increasing. Studies strongly suggest that up to 80% of all cancer may result from our lifestyle choices. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, if we choose healthier lifestyles we may reduce our risk of cancer.
What is cancer? Cancer is a disease. It develops when abnormal cells grow and multiply in some organ or tissue in our bodies. These abnormal cells may form a mass called a tumour. Or sometimes they travel through the body in the blood and in other body fluids.
What are your chances of developing cancer? You have about a 38% chance of being diagnosed with some type of cancer in your lifetime. Cancer may result from our smoking habits, the food we eat, or the time we spend in the sun. Cancer caused by these factors may be reduced if we choose healthier lifestyles.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family from cancer?
Practice these seven steps to health:
1. Choose to be a non-smoker and avoid second hand smoke. Cigarette smoking is a direct cause of cancer. The rate of lung cancer is 10 times greater in cigarette smokers. Smoking also increases the risk of cancer of the bladder, pancreas, kidney, mouth and throat. No other forms of tobacco, such as chewing tobacco or cannabis, are safe. The majority of lung cancer cases could be avoided by stopping smoking.
2. Diets rich in fibre, vegetables and fruits lead to lower cancer rates. High fat foods and alcohol are linked to higher rates of cancer. Follow Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating.
3. Protect yourself and your family from the sun. The sun can cause certain types of skin cancer. Up to 80% of skin damage occurs by the age of 18. Sun lotions that have a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher are recommended. Check your skin regularly. Let your doctor know about any changes in moles, birthmarks or sores that do not heal.
4. Practice monthly breast self exam. Regular examinations such as pap tests and mammograms may find early signs of cancer.
5. At home and at work, follow health and safety instructions when using chemicals or hazardous materials.
6. Be aware of changes in your normal state of health. Report changes to your doctor or health care professional.
7. See your doctor and dentist for regular check-ups. In many cases, your health care professional can discover a potential cancer long before you begin to have symptoms. With early treatment, your chances of recovery are much better.
Get to know your body. Don't shrug off the warning signs. Follow a healthy lifestyle.
For more information, contact the Canadian Cancer Society.
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