The ComPARe study (Canadian Population Attributable Risk of Cancer) found how many cancer cases can be prevented in the future by changing the world around us. This includes making healthy choices and protecting ourselves where we live, work and play.
There's a lot you can do to reduce your risk of cancer – starting with living a healthy, active lifestyle. Making healthy choices can be easy, affordable and quick. You can take small but important steps to stay on the path of great health no matter what age you are.
The Canadian Cancer Association presents simple ways to reduce your risk of cancer:
Live smoke-free
The single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of cancer is to live smoke-free. Read more
Be sun safe
Enjoy the sun safely – protect your skin and protect your eyes. Read more
Have a healthy body weight
Besides living smoke-free, having a healthy body weight is one of the best things you can do to reduce cancer risk. Read more
Eat well
Eating well is an important part of reducing your cancer risk. Read more
Move more, sit less
Not enough physical activity and too much sitting increases your cancer risk. Aim for 30 minutes of activity every day and take frequent, short breaks from sitting. Read more
Limit alcohol
Drinking any type or amount of alcohol increases your risk of developing cancer. The less alcohol you drink, the more you reduce your risk. Read more
Make informed decisions
Follow these recommendations and help reduce your cancer risk:
Check your family history
Tell your doctor if any of your close relatives have ever been diagnosed with cancer. Read more
Understand hormones
The birth control pill and hormone replacement therapy may increase your risk of cancer. Understand the risks and benefits. Read more
Get vaccinated
Some viruses cause cancer. Check with your doctor about whether a Hepatitis B or HPV vaccine is a good idea for you. Read more
Be safe at work
Cancer-causing substances at work are responsible for a small percentage of cancers. Know your risk and protect yourself. Read more
Know your environment
Learn how to reduce your exposure to cancer-causing substances (carcinogens). Read more
Myths and controversies
Be cautious of any information obtained from un-monitored sources. Read more
Find cancer early
How well do you know your body? Know what’s normal for you so you can notice changes. When cancer is found early, it’s often easier to treat.
Get changes checked sooner rather than later. That change to your body might be nothing, but it might be serious. Always see a doctor if there are any changes to how you’re feeling or you have new physical symptoms.
Know your body
Only a doctor can say for sure whether a change is cancer. Read more
Find prostate cancer
Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and the PSA test. Read more
If you're in a certain age or population group, you can also have screening tests that help find breast, cervical and colorectal cancer before you've even noticed symptoms.
Screening for cancer
See your doctor regularly and know when you should be screened for certain cancers. Read more
Get screened for breast cancer
Mammography is the most reliable method of finding breast cancer. Read more
Get screened for cervical cancer
Even if you've had HPV vaccine, regular Pap tests are still needed. Read more
Get screened for colorectal cancer
Stool tests check for hidden blood you can't see with your eyes. Read more
Screening in LGBTQ communities
LGBTQ communities can have unique screening needs. See your doctor regularly and know when you should be screened for certain cancers. Read more