At Country Plaza Medical Centre, we believe in giving you the tools and knowledge to reduce your risk. Here’s how:
Healthy Living Matters
Lifestyle choices play a huge role in cancer risk. Key areas:
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
- Keep a healthy weight, stay active (aim for ~150 minutes/week moderate activity).
- Limit alcohol (the less, the better).
- Eat well: lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains; less processed/red meat.
- Protect your skin: use sunscreen, avoid tanning beds.
These are proven ways to reduce your risk of several cancer types, including lung, colorectal, breast, and skin cancers.
Regular Screening & Early Detection
Screening allows us to find cancers early — or even pre-cancerous conditions — when treatment is easiest and most effective.
In Alberta, the provincial program Screening For Life now offers organized screening for:
- Breast cancer (mammograms) Screening For Life+1
- Cervical cancer (Pap or HPV testing) Screening For Life+1
- Colorectal cancer (FIT stool test and colonoscopy if needed) Screening For Life+1
- A lung-screening program is also expanding in Alberta. Screening For Life+1
Your Role: Talk to your family doctor about which screenings apply to you (based on age, sex, risk factors). Regular screening could save your life.
Know Your Family History & Environment
Some people have a higher risk because of inherited genes or exposure to radiation and certain chemicals.
If you have:
- A close relative with cancer under age 50
- Known genetic risk (e.g., BRCA mutation)
- Significant exposure to carcinogens (work, environment)
…talk with your doctor about referral to the hereditary cancer clinic or tailored screening.
Stay Active, Stay Safe
Physical activity and avoiding sedentary time benefit more than just your fitness; they help reduce cancer risk (especially for colorectal and breast cancers).
Similarly, stay safe by:
- Using sun protection (SPF 30+, hats, shade)
- Minimising exposure to second-hand smoke and other toxins (radon, asbestos, workplace hazards)
Realistic Risk, Real Hope
Yes, the statistic about “one in two” may sound scary. But it reflects all cancers combined and many advances in prevention, screening, and treatment are improving outcomes.
What this means: Your actions matter. Your choices, screening participation, and proactive care can make a real difference.
Final Thought
Prevention and early detection are among the most powerful tools we have in reducing the burden of cancer. By leading a healthy lifestyle, engaging in recommended screening, knowing your risk, and staying vigilant, you shift the odds in your favour.
At Country Plaza Medical Centre, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Book your screening discussion today, and let’s work together to give you the best chance at long-term health.
Useful Resources:
Government of Canada – Cancer Prevention
Canadian Cancer Society – 1 in 2 statistics
Alberta Screening for Life – Breast Screening
Alberta Screening for Life – Cervical Screening
Alberta Screening for Life – Colorectal Screening
Alberta Lung Screening Program