What Is Your Cancer Risk?

NC – It is encouraging to know that as many as half of all cancers in Ontario can be prevented by eliminating known risk factors.

Smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of physical activity are some of the more commonly known risk factors that can lead to cancer. There are also a number of lesser known risk factors that people should be aware of to reduce the chances, such as:

• Men and women who eat more red meat are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer;

• Women who smoke are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer;

• Workplace exposures may increase the risk of developing lung cancer; and

• Women who consume alcohol are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Cancer Care Ontario, the provincial government’s advisor on cancer services, recently launched a new online tool called My CancerIQ to help determine risk factors for breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer. The tool also provides personalized recommendations for reducing that risk.

As more and more people turn to the Internet to research health concerns, it is important to find credible information. In addition to personalized recommendations, My CancerIQ also offers links to trusted online resources. With this guidance, it is easier to understand if and how lifestyle choices are increasing the risk for cancer and how to take action right away.

The reality is that in 2014, an estimated 73,800 Ontarians were diagnosed with cancer and 28,000 died from the disease. This means that eight people are being diagnosed with some type of cancer and three people are dying from the disease every hour of every day.

Before cancer makes the first move, take just 10 minutes to complete a questionnaire at MyCancerIQ.ca and make the changes that could save your life.