News

Health | June 25, 2018

Adopt a healthier lifestyle and help reduce your cancer risk

The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy MP is encouraging Lowan residents to be aware of early warning signs and to take a proactive approach to reducing their own cancer risk.

A recent snapshot by the Cancer Council of Victoria has revealed that a healthier and more active lifestyle can help prevent one third of cancers.

This includes regularly checking for unusual changes to our bodies and having regular screening tests for bowel, breast, prostate and cervical cancers.

Unusual changes could include lumps or sores that don’t heal, changes in the shape, size or colour of a mole or skin spot and unexplained weight loss or gain.

Maintaining a healthy weight and partaking in regular exercise can help decrease the risk of some types of cancer, including bowel, breast and oesophagus cancer.

Limiting your alcohol intake to two standard drinks a day can further prevent the risk of some cancers including those of the mouth, stomach, liver, breast and bowel.

Doing one hour of moderate activity or 30 minutes of vigorous activity regularly is recommended to improve general health and fitness and is proven to reduce the risk of bowel and breast cancers.

Being SunSmart and quitting smoking can also drastically decrease your chances of developing cancer.

The free HPV vaccine offered to girls and boys aged 12-13 can aid in the prevention of some HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer.

“One third of cancers can be prevented and by making small adjustments in our day-to-day lives, we can lower our risk and the risk of those close to us,” Ms Kealy said.

“By following a few simple steps, we can help cut our cancer risk and live a healthier, happier life,” she said.

For further information about making changes to your lifestyle to cut your cancer risk, visit https://www.cancervic.org.au/preventing-cancer.