What is Cancer?
Cancer starts in the cells of your body. Healthy cells know when to stop growing and dividing. Cancer starts with abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably. This growth of abnormal cells can invade healthy tissues and organs. Cancer refers to a large number of diseases. Assess your cancer risk at MyCancerIQ.ca today
Cancer Prevention and Screening
About 1/3 of cancers can be prevented by the choices we make.
12 Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk
- Do not smoke. Do not use any form of tobacco.
- Make your home and vehicle smoke-free. Support smoke-free spaces.
- Take action to be a healthy weight.
- Get moving. Be physically active every day. Limit the time you spend sitting.
- Eat a healthy diet:
- Eat plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
- Limit high-calorie foods and avoid sugary drinks.
- Avoid processed meat. Limit red meat and foods high in salt.
- If you drink alcohol, limit your intake. www.rethinkyourdrinking.ca
- Limit your time in midday sun, especially for children. Use sun protection. Seek shade. Do not use tanning beds.
- In the workplace, protect yourself against cancer-causing substances by following health and safety instructions and policies.
- Find out if you are exposed to radiation from naturally high radon levels in your home. Take action to reduce high radon levels.
- For women:
- Breastfeeding reduces a mother’s cancer risk. If you can, breastfeed your baby.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of certain cancers. Limit the use of HRT.
- Ensure your children are vaccinated for
- Hepatitis B
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Take part in provincial screening programs:
- Colon cancer check (men and women)
- Breast cancer (women)
- Cervical cancer (women)
Cancer screening saves lives. Finding cancer early often makes treatment more successful.