Published on Monday, 3 February 2020 at 12:00:00 AM
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. The purpose of World Cancer Day is to raise awareness and educate people about cancer in order to save millions of preventable deaths each year. Cancer is a disease of the body’s cell growing and spreading within the body (Cancer Council). Cancer is non discriminating and can affect everyone. Join us in our mission to spread the awareness and fight against cancer.
I Am And I Will
The theme for World Cancer Day 2019 – 2021 is ‘I Am and I Will”, an empowering call to action urging for personal commitment and show support in raising awareness of the effects of cancer.
At least one third of cancers are preventable
Making the health choices and having regular health checks can help prevent and reduce our cancer risks. According to World Health Organization, between 30% and 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by adopting the right lifestyle and avoiding risk factors.
Avoid tobacco with Tackling Indigenous Smoking
Tobacco is responsible for approximately 22% of call cancer-related deaths and is also the largest preventable cause of cancer in the world. The use of tobacco has been found to cause around 15 different types of cancer, including oral cancers, lung, liver, stomach, bowel and ovarian cancer. Stopping smoking will greatly reduce the risk of cancer and improve your quality of life. Contact the Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) team today for more information on ‘Quit Smoking” at 9172 0444.
Limit alcohol consumption
A strong link has been found between alcohol consumption and increased risk of several cancer. Discontinuing alcohol consumption can reduce your risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, bowel and breast, and may also reduce the risk of liver and bowel cancers.
Adopt a healthy and active lifestyle
Adopting and maintaining a healthy weight and taking part in physical activity can help reduce of certain types of cancers, including bowel, breast, uterine, ovarian, pancreatic, oesophagus, kidney, liver, advanced prostate and gallbladder cancers.
Use sunscreen
According to Cancer Council, 80% of all yearly cancers in Australia is diagnosed as skin cancers. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Sun exposure increases your risk of developing skin cancer by damaging the skin cell and developing into melanoma. Skin cancer can be prevented by wearing sun protective clothing, wearing a hat, sliding on some sunglasses, having limited sun exposure and using a broad-spectrum sun screen.
Have your regular health checkups
Cancer affects many Australian and has a major impact on individuals, families and the community. Having regularly screenings and health checks can help save lives. Early detection can help with the treatment and improve the outcomes for some cancers. Make an appointment today at the Wirraka Maya Health Clinic to have your regular health checkup.
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