Nothing you can do about cancer? False! Learn the truth on World Cancer Day

TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - World Cancer Day on February 4 aims to dispel myths about cancer, including: "There is nothing I can do about cancer." The truth is that there is a lot that can be done at an individual, community and policy level.

"People often feel powerless when it comes to cancer, and that's why we encourage Canadians to take control and empower themselves with information," says Rowena Pinto, Vice President, Public Affairs, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. "There is much that we can do each and every day about cancer and we can do this both individually and collectively."

10 ways to do something about cancer

1. Live well
About half of all cancers can be prevented by eating well, being active and maintaining a healthy body weight and not smoking. Reduce your risk of skin cancer by protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure and don't use indoor tanning.

2. Don't smoke
Smoking is responsible for more than 85% of lung cancer cases in Canada. Our Smokers' Helpline is a free, confidential service for smokers. Call if you want to quit, are thinking about quitting or have stopped smoking and need support: 1-877-513-5333.

3. Get checked
When cancer is found early, it's often easier to treat. If you're in a certain age or population group, you can have screening tests that help find breast, cervical and colorectal cancer before you've even noticed symptoms.

4. Know your family history
Approximately 5 to 10% of cancers are related to family genetics. It is important to discuss screening with your doctor if you have a family history of cancer.

5. Be aware
Know if you're being exposed to cancer-causing substances in the workplace, your home and in your community so that you can make informed decisions about your health.

6. Raise funds
Volunteering to raise funds or participating in a fundraising event is critical to helping prevent cancer, save lives and support people living with cancer. Without funds, we wouldn't be able to make the impact that we do in communities across Canada.

7. Give
Make a donation, support an event participant or buy a lottery ticket. It's easy. Find out more at cancer.ca.

8. Take action
Changing public policy is one of the most effective tools for preventing cancer and helping those living with and beyond cancer. Visit takeaction.cancer.ca to learn how you can advocate for healthy public policies in Ontario.

9. Get involved
Volunteering is an opportunity for you to make a positive impact in your community, be part of a team, share your experience, learn new skills and develop lasting friendships. The Canadian Cancer Society offers a variety of ways for you to help, from driving patients to providing peer support to youth advocacy.

10. Connect
If you know someone coping with cancer, we can help. Refer them to the Canadian Cancer Society for information and support services that will help them on their cancer journey. Tell them about our CancerConnection.ca online community. Contact us toll-free at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-886-786-3934) or [email protected].

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Building on our progress, we are working with Canadians to change cancer forever. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).

About World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). A truly global event taking place every year on 4 February, World Cancer Day unites the world's population in the fight against cancer. It aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease, pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action. For more information, visit www.worldcancerday.org.

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division)

Media Contact:
Christine Koserski, Communications Specialist
Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division
416-323-7023
[email protected]