Preventing Cancer:

Live well *Be aware* Get involved

Presentation prepared by: Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, Public Affairs, Prevention, May 2012, v3

How we’re fighting cancer

• doing everything we can to prevent cancer

• funding research to outsmart cancer

• empowering, informing and supporting Canadians living with cancer

• advocating for public policies to improve the health of Canadians

• rallying Canadians to get involved in the fight against cancer

What do we mean by ‘cancer prevention’?

• Can lifestyle changes make a difference?

• Can all cancers be prevented?

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

Live well. Make healthy choices.

Be aware. Look after yourself.

Get involved. Help reduce risks for everyone.

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

Be a non-smoker and avoid second-hand smoke.

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women in Canada.

• Smoking can also increase the risk of developing other cancers.

• No amount of second-hand smoke is safe.

Need help quitting? Call Smoker’s Helpline at 1 877 513-5333

• Up to 35% of all cancers can be prevented by eating well, being active and maintaining a healthy body weight.

• People who are overweight are at greater risk for developing certain cancers.

• Physical activity is also one of the best ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

• Regular physical activity can help protect against colon, breast and uterine cancers.

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

Keep a healthy body weight. Be active and eat well.

Keep a healthy body weight. Be active and eat well.

• Limit red meat.

• Limit processed meats.

• Watch your salt.

• Watch your sugar.

• Choose healthy fats.

• Choose high-fibre foods.

• Reach for vegetables and fruit.

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

Know the risks of alcohol. The less you drink, the more you reduce your risk.

• Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing several types of cancer.

• If you choose to drink, limit how much.

• Women – less than 1 drink a day

• Men – less than 2 drinks a day

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

• Learn how to use the UV Index.• Plan your activities.• Cover up – hat, clothes, sunglasses.• Use sunscreen.• Avoid indoor tanning.• Check your skin regularly.

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

Protect your skin. Be safe in the sun and don’t use tanning beds.

Get enough vitamin D from the sun, supplements and your diet.

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

• Talk to your doctor about taking 1000 international units (IU) a day during fall and winter months.

• Talk to your doctor about whether you should take a vitamin D supplement all year round if you:– are over 50 – have dark skin – don’t go outside very much – wear clothing covering most of your skin

Know your body and watch for changes in your:

• skin

• breasts – at all ages

• testicles – starting at 15

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

Report any changes in your health to your doctor.

• changes in your bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks

• unexplained weight loss

• new lumps or growths

• changes in bladder habits

• difficulty swallowing

• blood in your urine, stool or phlegm

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

Get checked and help find cancer early.

• breast cancer

• cervical cancer

• colon cancer

• prostate cancer

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

Check your family’s cancer history.

• Discuss screening with your doctor if you have a family history of cancer.

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

What else can increase your cancer risk?

• certain viruses and bacteria (example: HPV)

• artificial hormones (example: hormone replacement therapy)

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

Get rid of harmful substances at work and at home. • Test your home for radon.

• Use experts to remove asbestos safely if you have it in your home.

• Find out if there are harmful substances in your workplace.

• Use safer alternatives or ask for them to be used.

• Follow safety rules and ask for information and protective equipment.

• Raise awareness about cancer prevention in your community.

• Reduce cancer risks for the next generation.

• Fight for public policy to make healthy living easier for everyone.

• Find out how you can help the Society fight for change right now.

• Become a volunteer!

Live well*Be aware*Get involved

For the most up-to-date information:

• visit www.cancer.ca

• call the Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333

Thank you!Presentation prepared by:

Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, Public Affairs, PreventionMay 2012