Reducing Cancer Risks
Resources
Information on this page can be downloaded as a handout.
Lifestyle changes reduce cancer risks
- Cancer is the leading cause of death 30%
- 18,800 adult cancer new cases in Alberta
- 45% (=6,700) are preventable
- Some are more preventable than others
What are the lifestyle changes?
1. Quit Smoking
Can help lower chances of cancers in:
- Lung
- Bladder
- Kidneys
- Pancreas
- Cervix
- Mouth
- Esophagus
- Throat
2. Drink alcohol wisely
- 2 alcoholic drinks a day have a slightly higher risk for colon cancer
- Alcohol raises your breast cancer risk
3. Eat Well
4. Keep a healthy weight
5. Stay active
- Help staying at a healthy weight
- Stay active + get enough sleep
- May lower your cancer risk
6. Protect your skin
7. Get screened
- Get doctor/dentist for regular checkups
- Get screened for breast, colorectal, cervical and prostate cancer
- Get treated before turning into cancer
- Screening for life risk assessment calculator
8. Consider vaccinations
100% of cervical cancer are caused by HPV
Effective for females ages 9-45, males 9-26.
Alberta – Free
- Girls age 9-13, 3 shots in 6 months
- Boys in grade 5, 2 shots in 6-12 months apart or in grade 9, 3 shots over 6 months
- check with your school/doctor/811
9. Avoid toxins
- Asbestos
- Polluted drinking water
- Cleaning products, solvents, and pesticides
- Use paint without volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Benzene
- Radon
- Polluted air
In summary,
To reduce cancer risks, we can make lifestyle changes such as:
- Quit smoking
- Drink alcohol wisely
- Eat well
- Keep a healthy weight
- Stay active
- Protect your skin
- Get screened
- Consider vaccinations
- Avoid toxins
Resources
Healthier together Alberta website to learn more
Information on this page can be downloaded as a handout. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Disclaimer: This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an “as is”, “where is” basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use. Last updated September 2022