Seven ways to change your life — one
Lots of us missed check- ups last year. Take the first step, says Penny Egan
IF 2020 was a challenge, then taking a step to improve your health and avoiding cancer should be a cinch. Make 2021 a year to remember. Make it your year to take responsibility for your health and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
Every day there is new research that supports why we should lead healthier lives, but many people choose to ignore the evidence. Ignorance is definitely not bliss when it comes to cancer. We all hope COVID will eventually be brought under control through vaccines, but cancer is with us for a while.
Every year more than 3400 Tasmanians will receive a cancer diagnosis and the impact on families, friends and communities is massive.
So why would anyone ignore the evidence that recognises one in three cancers is preventable.
There are seven steps to help reduce cancer risk and although they may sound simple, for some they may be challenging. There are no additional tasks needed.
Cancer prevention is about doing more of, less of, or stopping some activities. The hardest step can be the first.
If we have learnt anything from 2020, we are all up for the challenge.
Most of us have enjoyed some Christmas cheer, perhaps a few have imbibed more than others and eaten a tad more than usual.
Take into consideration the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines on alcohol. To drink or not to drink?
The evidence is clear that alcohol contributes to some cancers. The recommendation is that we should not consume alcohol, but if you enjoy a drink, take a step to minimise consumption to 10 standard drinks per week.
Take off the COVID and Christmas kilos by reverting to healthy eating habits and gain some fitness instead of weight. Stepping it out doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be beneficial for mental and physical health.
It’s never too late to be sun smart but I do wish I had listened to my mother all those years ago. I have had too many non- melanoma skin cancers removed and have no hesitation in taking the annual step to get checked or encouraging others to do the same. UV in Tasmania is high. Sid’s steps to making sure you slip, slop, slap, seek and slide are still spot on.
Some steps are harder than others. When you smoke you have an addiction and a habit, two very difficult enemies to battle at once, but it takes just one step in the right direction to take on the enemy. Smoking contributes to 16 different cancers. It is the highest preventable cause of death and disease in Tasmania, which still has the highest smoking rate apart from the Northern Territory. If you want to stop, please call
Quitline 137848 and speak with our staff who can support you every step of the way.
Getting regular cancer checks is a further step to a healthy life, made easier by national screening programs for bowel, breast and cervical cancers.
Many people I know are here today because they participated. Their cancer was found early and was treatable.
In 2020 many Tasmanians did not get checked. The participation rate in all three screening programs reduced and there were fewer referrals related to cancer diagnosis.
Screening programs can prevent cancer but they also seek to find cancer earlier which in some cases means there are other treatments that can be less invasive.
There is a motivational quote, “If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse.”
This is important. Not just to you, but to your partner and your family. Early detection can save your life. Know your body and seek your doctor’s advice if you notice unusual changes.
Don’t go backwards. Stay safe and step it out in 2021. Stride forward in the direction that could ultimately give you a longer and much healthier life.