Almost one in two Australians are projected to be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. The World Health Organization estimates that 30 to 50 percent of all cancers are preventable through lifestyle modifications and reduced exposure to carcinogens.
General Prevention Strategies
Experts highlight several evidence-based approaches to reduce cancer risk. Common strategies include avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B. Reducing exposure to carcinogens like UV rays and pollution is also advised.
Expert Recommendations
Professor Declan Murphy, Director of Genitourinary Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre:
- Advocates for a heart-healthy lifestyle as a cancer prevention method, including avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, and regular exercise.
- Suggests that regular ejaculation may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
- States that expensive, unproven supplements are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
Professor Anne Cust, Cancer Epidemiologist, Daffodil Centre:
- Emphasizes sun protection (Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide) in Australia due to high ultraviolet radiation levels.
- Identifies overweight/obesity as a major risk factor for bowel, endometrial, and post-menopausal breast cancer, linked to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
- Notes smoking as a risk factor for nearly all cancers.
- Highlights dietary fiber as protective against colorectal cancer, and fruits and vegetables as generally protective against cancer.
- Advises moderate alcohol consumption, as alcohol is a risk factor for breast and head and neck cancers.
- States there is no conclusive evidence linking stress or insufficient sleep directly to cancer risk.
Professor Bronwyn King, Chief Executive, Tobacco Free Portfolios:
- Recommends improving air quality by replacing gas stoves to avoid toxic air exposure and using air purifiers for bushfire smoke.
- Stresses the importance of avoiding cigarettes and vapes.
- Suggests reducing alcohol intake, noting its link to increased breast cancer risk, and exploring zero or low-alcohol products.
- Advises replacing processed foods with fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals.
- Recommends replacing non-stick cookware with stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, or glass products to reduce exposure to "forever chemicals."
- Reinforces sun protection practices, including sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, long-sleeved clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours.
- Encourages regular physical activity, including varied forms of exercise.
Dr. Prasad Cooray, Medical Oncologist, University of Melbourne:
- Highlights Australia's highest rate of young-onset colorectal cancer globally, with it becoming the leading cause of cancer death in young Australians.
- States that colorectal cancer is largely preventable through the removal of precancerous polyps via colonoscopy.
- Advises maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and being fit.
- Urges individuals to monitor their bodies for symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, bleeding, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, or a persistent feeling of illness, and to seek prompt medical advice, especially given the tendency for young people's concerns to be dismissed.