Over
40,000 men and over 30,000 women develop cancer in Australia each year.
But the good
news is that while 50 years ago nearly all cancers were incurable, today thousands
of people are cured each year. Many more benefit from new treatments that
help to replace the years cancer intend to steal.
Changing the
habits of a lifetime isn't easy, but even small changes could help you avoid
cancer, or find it earlier when it's easier to treat.
Scientists have
shown that as many as one out of every two cancers could be avoided by giving
up smoking, exercising more, taking extra care in the sun, cutting back on
fatty foods and eating more fresh fruit and vegetables instead.
Cancer often
goes unnoticed. It's easy to mistake some of its symptoms for signs of age
or for other problems that are less serious and much more common than cancer.
See your doctor
if you have any lumps, sores or ulcers that don't go away or show blood, a
hoarseness that hangs around, or a loss of weight that can't be explained,
a mole that changes shape, size or colour, or any changes in toilet habits.
They don't mean
you have cancer, as there are lots of reasons why changes happen. But it's
signs like these that can help spot a problem at an earlier stage, when it's
easier to treat.
Remember compared
to other health problems, cancer is a rare disease. Many health problems that
are far less serious and much more common than cancer, often have the same
warning signs. It's important to see your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms.
Even if you do have cancer, the chances of a complete cure are usually better
if the disease is treated early.
So don't gamble
with your health because following these steps is relatively simple and will
put you on the way to living a cancer smart lifestyle.
For More Information on Cancer prevention or support
of people with cancer, call the:
Cancer Council Helpline
13 11 20
Or Visit: www.cancercouncil.com.au |