It is estimated that about one third of cases of the most common cancers can be prevented through healthy food choices, regular physical activity and a healthy body weight. An additional one third of all cases of cancer can be prevented by choosing not to smoke and avoiding exposure to second hand smoke.
The choices that we make, healthy or otherwise, are influenced by many things – some within our individual control and some not. In the end, preventing cancer and staying health is everyone's job.
For help quitting smoking:
These practical tips will help you get started:
Drinking any amount of alcohol increases a person’s risk for cancer. Yet, only 33% of Canadians know that drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing several types of cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol, follow the Canadian Low Risk Drinking Guidelines.
Skin cancer rates have been increasing steadily in Canada over the past 30 years and Nova Scotia has one of the highest rates of melanoma skin cancer in Canada. Overexposure to the sun is the primary environmental cause of skin cancer.
Use these helpful resources to stay safe in the sun:
The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Health Canada in cooperation with the Canadian Dermatology Association promotes sun safety thought the Sun Safety at Work program.
Find useful information and support at the Sun Safety at Work Resource Library.
For more information, email sunsafety@eastlink.ca.