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Easy as Health
- Health Information for a Better Life
Cancer aware
The fear of cancer is universal. Two out
of every five people will have to face that fear at some time during
their life. The good news is that many cancers we could develop in the
future can be prevented by changes in our lifestyle. Experts say the key
to reducing the risk of cancer, is to avoid tobacco smoke, eat more
fruit and vegetables, drink alcohol modestly and remain physically
active. Also, paying attention to the environment in which you work and
live and avoiding exposures that may be harmful may also help keep
cancer at bay.
What is cancer ?
Most of the time, our body's defenses recognize and destroy
abnormal cells. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells overcome the body's
defenses and grow out of control.
'Cancer' refers to many diseases that share some common features, but
which behave very differently. Some cancers grow slowly and do not
spread, others grow quickly and spread. Most importantly, some cancers
can be cured, others cannot. Cancer is Ontario's number one health
problem. The number of cases is expected to double in the next 25 years,
mainly as a result of our aging and growing population.
Here are some key steps to reducing the risk of cancer :
- Don't smoke and avoid
second-hand smoke
All types of tobacco use increase your chances of getting
cancer. Smoking causes about one-third of all Ontario cancer deaths-an
estimated 8,000 in 2002 or 22 people every day. Lung cancer is the
leading cause of cancer death and smoking causes 90 per cent of lung
cancers. Non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke are also at higher
risk of getting cancer.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods
As many as one-third of all cancers, especially colorectal,
breast, prostate and even lung, may be related to what we eat and
drink. Each day, you should eat a variety of healthy foods from the
four basic food groups. Check out Canada's Food Guide to Healthy
Eating for more information.
- Stay active and keep a healthy
weight
Regular exercise keeps you healthy and reduces your risk of
colon and breast cancer. Try to be active most days. The important
thing is to exert yourself enough so that your heart rate increases
for at least 30 minutes. Keeping a healthy weight is also important,
as obesity appears to be a risk for breast, kidney, colorectal,
uterine and esophageal cancers.
- Protect yourself and your family
from the sun
Even one sunburn is thought to increase the risk of cancer,
especially among those under 18 years of age. Try to avoid sun
exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. during the months of May to
August, cover exposed areas of your skin and use a sunscreen with an
SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more.
- Get screened
Regular screening and self-examination for certain cancers,
such as breast and prostate cancer, increases your chances of early
detection, when treatment is more likely to be successful, with fewer
side effects.
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