At present early diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment are the most important methods of reducing death from cancer.

However, a number of cancers have known or precipitating causes which can be reduce or avoided. In Australia the most important of these is lung cancer which is directly related to cigarette smoking. The more you smoke the more likely your are to develop lung cancer. People who stop smoking reduce their risk of developing lung cancer. There is increasing evidence that being exposed to other people’s smoke may increase your risk of lung cancer.

Skin Cancer

Most skin cancers can be prevented with appropriate attention to protection of the skin from sunlight. The harsh burning rays of the sun damage the skin and in the long run give rise to skin cancer. Protection should start in childhood and should continue throughout our lives. Use a hat or a shirt when working in the sun and use a protective, water-resistants broad spectrum sunscreen rated SFP15+ on exposed parts of the body.

Cancer of the Bowel

There is evidence that a diet high in fibre has a protective role to reduce the incidence of cancer of the bowel. It is important to recognise that this diet with a reduction in saturated fat is also good for your heart and will reduce the risk of cancer of the breast as well.

Quality of Life

Keeping generally fit and healthy probably helps to maintain the bodies natural defenses against infection and cancer. A balanced diet high in fibre and low in saturated fat together with regular exercise will maintain the body in tip-top condition.

There is some evidence that stress aggravates a number of conditions, so if you find that stress is a worry for you, a programme of stress management may help you to enjoy life more.

Tumours

Tumours can be broadly classified as benign or malignant.

Benign tumours grow in the tissue in which they develop causing symptoms by pressure on that tissue or surrounding parts of the body. They are usually slow growing and in the majority of instances benign tumours can be safely and effectively removed.

Malignant tumours are much more serious. In addition to the local effects of benign tumours mentioned already, malignant tumours have the ability to invade other normal tissue and to spread to distant parts of the body. These new growths mostly occur in the liver, lungs, bones and brain and are known s secondary tumours or secondaries. Malignant tumours and their secondaries may grow very quickly.

A malignant tumour may be successfully removed if it is detected at an early stage before spread has occurred.

If spread to other organs has occurred the outlook is much worse. Death from malignant tumours can result from the original tumour itself growing rapidly and invading the tissue around it or from growth of secondary tumours in other parts of the body - especially the liver.

Many cancers are preventable - talk to your doctor or seek advice from the Cancer Council.

If you think you have a cancer don’t delay - early treatment gives the best results - see your doctor today.

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