Living a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce your risk of cancer

The BC Cancer Agency Registry of Cancer Statistics (2000) predicts an over 50% increase in all types of cancer in the Northern Health region by 2010. (based on population growth and ageing).

In addition, five year survival rates for the top four cancers - breast, colorectal, lung, prostate – in Northern Health are less than for any other region of BC.

As residents of Northern BC, we need to be aware of these worrying statistics and take measures to improve our health and increase our awareness of cancer prevention and early detection.

While we can’t change our genetic background (only 5-10% of all cancers are related to an inherited gene mutation), we can make better choices for a healthier future. Lifestyle changes play an important role in helping to reduce individual risk for cancer. These include:

• Eating a healthy diet emphasizing grains, lots of fruits and vegetables, lower fat dairy and meat; and limiting salt, caffeine and alcohol 
• Maintaining a healthy body weight to guard against obesity 
• Exercising regularly (eg. one hour of light walking every day or 30-60 min. brisk walking 4-5 times a week) 
• Eliminating unhealthy activities, such as smoking and excess exposure to sun (including tanning) 
• Practicing safe sex and limiting your number or sexual partners, which decreases the chance of acquiring Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a contributory cause of cervical cancer
• Ensure your child is up to date with their Hepatitis B vaccinations and ask your public health nurse or family doctor about HPV vaccination if you or your daughter are between the ages or 9-26 (a school- based HPV vaccination program is starting in Sept.2008 for girls in grade 6 & 9 click here for more information).

Early detection and diagnosis are the keys to treating cancer with any degree of success. Pay attention to warning signals:
1. Change in bowel or bladder habits - a change in your normal pattern that persists
2. A sore that does not heal
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge
4. Thickening or lump
5. Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
6. Obvious change in wart or mole
7. Nagging cough or hoarseness

It is also important to participate in regular cancer screening programs, which are essential to early detection: 

• Breast: Annual mammograms starting at age 40; then every two years between age 50-79; annual breast examination by a physician or trained personnel; regular breast self-examinations starting at age 20 
• Prostate: Annual Digital Rectal Examination by a physician from age 50-70; annual PSA blood test from age 45- 70 
• Colorectal: annual Fecal Occult Blood test - on stool specimen age 50-74 
• Cervical: Pap smear from the age of onset of sexual activity to age 69; every two years if Pap smear results stay normal

Since one in every three Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in their life, let’s get serious about our health with a healthy lifestyle, awareness of warning signals, and involvement in screening programs.

For more information contact the Cancer Service Programs in your hospital, the Canadian Cancer Society or visit the BC Cancer Agency website.