How easily cancer can be avoided
Over 200,000 Australian cancer cases could be avoided if adults followed basic dietary and physical activity guidelines, says Cancer Council Australia.
If Australian adults followed the Australian Dietary and National Physical Activity guidelines, as many as 190,500 overweight/obesity-related cancers could be prevented over a 25-year period. And almost 20,000 inactivity-related cancers could be avoided if adults committed to just five hours of physical activity a week.
“We already know that one-third of all cancer cases could be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet, being physically active, quitting smoking, being SunSmart and limiting alcohol," said Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan.
“Every Queenslander has the power to reduce the impact of cancer for themselves and the people they love – whether that’s through making healthy lifestyle choices, taking part in cancer screening programs, or raising funds for the cause."
Professor Sanchia Aranda, CEO Cancer Council Australia, agrees, but says the Government also needs to do more to reduce these alarming statistics.
“In the lead up to the next federal election, both sides of politics need to recognise their responsibility to help protect children from mass marketing of junk food; improve the Health Star Rating food labelling system to provide simpler, more informed choices to consumers; and promote more public education about the benefits of good nutrition and exercise,” she said.
Do you commit to five hours exercise each week? Do you follow the Australian Dietary and National Physical Activity guidelines?
Yep cancer can be avoided or at least the risk greatly reduced providing one has a good diet and exercise plan. I exercise, eat well and have a glass or two of red most days. You don't have to buy expensive food to eat well, just learn how to cook. One of the main culprits is smoking, not only does it lower the quality of life, increase the risk of heart disease and stroke but leads to at least 15 cancers. It also causes smelly breath, bad teeth and wrinkles.