World Health Day, held every year on 7 April, marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation and each year focuses on a specific public health concern. In addition to focusing on the journey to achieving Health For All, which was this year’s theme, WHO celebrated its 75th anniversary under the theme 75 years of improving public health.
Over 162,000 Australians were diagnosed with cancer in 2022, and we know that approximately 44,000 cancer cases can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle choices and is a reminder to prioritise your health.
Tips to adopt a healthy lifestyle
Cancer cases are often caused by a combination of lifestyle choices, being mindful and keeping a well-balanced approach can reduce your risk of cancer.
Here are four of our tips:
- Avoiding or moderating your alcohol consumption can lower your risk of developing cancer in the mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach, bowel, liver and breast.
- Keeping a well-balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight by doing regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day, whether it’s through running, swimming, team sports, exercise classes or housework. These simple habits can significantly lower your risk to 13 types of cancer, including cancer of the bowel, oesophagus, kidney, liver, pancreas, endometrium, and breast (after menopause).
- Cutting down your intake of red meat and avoiding processed meat, can help to reduce your risk of bowel cancer.
- Incorporating at least five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit as part of your daily diet provides a great source of fibre, vitamins, minerals and helps to protect against cancer of the bowel, mouth, throat and stomach.
If you or anyone you know has any questions about cancer, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 or visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support.
