Many cancers are preventable, stay safe and lower your risk of cancer through these easy steps.
As the summer sun shines brightly, and regular habits can drop off, Cancer Council Victoria gently reminds Victorians to take simple yet effective steps to cut down their cancer risk while enjoying this summer’s festivities.
Head of Prevention at Cancer Council Victoria and Adjunct Associate Professor, Craig Sinclair said many of the most diagnosed cancers, such as skin cancer, are highly preventable.
“As people enjoy their summer breaks, now is an opportune time to form new habits or reinforce existing ones from the past year to cut down the risk of cancer for you or loved ones,” Mr Sinclair said.
Recent data released by the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) at Cancer Council Victoria, has unveiled that cancer accounts for nearly one in three deaths in Victoria, with a significant portion of cases being preventable.
This summer, embrace a healthier lifestyle and safeguard your well-being:
1. Stay SunSmart – before you head outside, check the UV index and when it hits 3 cover up using all five forms of sun protection including wearing a hat, protective clothing,
sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen and seeking shade.
2. Rethink your drink – try and limit your intake of alcohol and sugary drinks this summer and opt for water as your drink of choice.
3. Get active – some physical activity is better than none, and more is better.
4. Eat healthy – The LiveLighter website is packed with free meal plans, nutritious recipes and information to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle on any budget. Visit www.livelighter.org.au
5. Quit smoking and vaping – Quitline counsellors are ready to help you, at any stage of your quitting journey over the phone and online, at a time that suits you.
Visit www.quit.org.au or call 13 7848.
“Let this summer and festive season be one of good health, where preventive measures become second nature to everyone in Victoria so we can reduce the risk of cancer in the future,” Mr Sinclair said.
If you or a loved one are currently experiencing a cancer diagnosis, our cancer nurses are available to answer your questions and offer emotional or practical support. Call 13 11 20 for free, confidential support.
For further information and resources on cancer prevention, please visit
https://www.cancervic.org.au/.
