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Cancer Council SA urges people to take action to prevent cancer on World Cancer Day.
With up to 50 per cent of cancers being preventable, Cancer Council SA is urging all South Australians to adopt a healthier lifestyle to help reduce their risk of cancer on World Cancer Day (February 4).
Twelve million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer every year, and Cancer Council SA says South Australians can reduce their risk of cancer by following a few simple steps. Cancer Council SA Chief Executive Professor Brenda Wilson said this included quitting smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke; limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption, following the SunSmart messages (Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! Slide!), exercising for at least 30 minutes every day, eating healthily and maintaining a healthy body weight. “With up to fifty per cent of cancers being preventable and 23 South Australians diagnosed every day with cancer, it is important that we take action to decrease the risk of developing cancer.” Professor Wilson said. Worldwide, more than 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year and according to the World Health Organiszation (WHO), the number is expected to rise to approximately 26 million in the year 2030. “Reducing your personal cancer risk starts at home and does not have to be difficult.” Professor Wilson said “We can all do something to reduce our risk of developing cancer, whether that means taking the dog for an extra walk, being SunSmart when the UV alert is 3 and above, having no more than one alcoholic drink a day, eating more fruit and vegetables, or quitting smoking. World Cancer Day is an initiative of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) and is in response to the Charter of Paris adopted at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New millennium, on 4 February 2000, dedicated to raising awareness about the things which prevent cancer. This year UICC is launching the “Cancer can be prevented too” campaign focusing on how cancer can be prevented by taking on healthier lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking, being SunSmart, eating well, being active and vigilant against cancer causing infections. Cancer Council SA is also urging the next State Government to take action to help reduce the risk of cancer among South Australians by adopting key policy changes, which are outlined in its Election Priorities blueprint document. “During the term of the next State Government around 36,000 South Australians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at a cost to the community of nearly $1.5 billion” Professor Wilson said. “We have identified a range of issues, focusing on key health areas such as smoking, being SunSmart, healthy eating and cancer treatment for regional patients to name a few and will be lobbying all politicians to adopt and implement our policies in the lead-up to the March election.” For further information visit www.cancersa.org.au or call Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.  Top |
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