Editorial written by Cancer Council Australia

It may surprise you to learn that at least 1 in 3 cancer cases are preventable and the number of cancer deaths could be reduced significantly by choosing a cancer smart lifestyle. 7 steps to living a cancer smart lifestyle What are the most common cancers? Early detection What should I do?

More than 13,000 cancer deaths each year are due to smoking, sun exposure, poor diet, alcohol, inadequate exercise or being overweight.

7 steps to living a cancer smart lifestyle

There are some simple steps you can take to minimise your cancer risk. So where do you start? Here are 7 steps to living a cancer smart lifestyle.

1. Check for unusual changes and have regular screening tests
For cancers, finding it early means treatment has a better chance of success. Talk to your GP about any unusual changes and what screening tests you should get.

2. Maintain a healthy weight
Research shows that a waistline of over 100cm for men and 85cm for women significantly increases the risk of some types of cancers, including bowel, breast and oesophageal cancer. Reduce foods high in fats and sugars.

3. Limit alcohol
Even moderate amounts of alcohol increase the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, breast and bowel. If you choose to drink, limit your intake to no more than 2 standard drinks and have 1 or 2 alcohol-free days every week.

4. Eat a healthy diet
Aim to eat 5 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruit each day. Limit red meat intake to 3 or 4 small serves a week and avoid processed meats.

5. Be physically active
Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of bowel and breast cancers. One hour of moderate activity (for example, brisk walking) or 30 minutes of vigorous exercise (for example, jogging) is recommended on most days for general health and fitness.

6. Be Sun-Smart
Each year, more than 1800 Australians die of skin cancer. Protect your skin in 5 ways:

• slip on clothing
• slop on sunscreen
• slap on a broad brim hat
• slide on sunglasses
• seek shade.

7. Quit smoking
More than 10,000 Australians are diagnosed with a smoking related cancer each year. It's never too late to quit, and the sooner you do, the more you reduce your risk of cancer.

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What are the most common cancers?

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2007, the most common causes of cancer death were:

• Lung cancer (7,626 deaths)
• Bowel cancer (4,047 deaths)
• Prostate cancer (2,938 deaths)
• Breast cancer (2,706 deaths)
• Lymphoid cancers (2,552 deaths).

Early detection

The 'Cancer in Australia 2010 report' shows that Australia has a high cancer survival rate, reflecting our successful population screening programs and the widespread adoption of effective treatments.

There are currently free screening programs in place for breast and cervical cancer. These are national population-based screening programs provided free of charge for people who are eligible.

The Australian Government provides free bowel cancer screening tests to Australians aged 50,55 and 65. These are automatically mailed out and the test is performed at home. Anyone who misses out on this program can purchase a kit from selected pharmacies for about $30.00. We recommend screening from age 50 every two years.

The Cancer Council recommends screening every 2 years from the age of 50.

Some cancers can be detected at an early stage when treatment is likely to be more effective. Tests have been developed that can detect these cancers well before any symptoms are present.

It's also a good idea to get to know your own body. If you notice any changes, such as a lump in your breast or a spot growing on your skin, see your GP. Treatment can be more effective when cancer is found early. Keep an eye out for any unusual changes to your body, such as:

• lumpiness or a thickened area in your breasts, any changes in the shape or colour of your breasts, unusual nipple discharge, a nipple that turns inwards (if it hasn't always been that way) or any unusual pain
• a lump in the neck, armpit or anywhere else in the body
• sores or ulcers that don't heal
• coughs or hoarseness that won't go away or coughing up blood
• changes in toilet habits that last more than 2 weeks, blood in a bowel motion
• new moles or skin spots, or ones that have changed shape, size or colour, or that bleed
• unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding, or
• unexplained weight loss.

What should I do?

If you notice any changes, see your GP immediately.

For more information, visit www.cancer.org.au or call Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.

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