Preventable cancers and how to avoid them

We look at 5 of the most preventable cancers and the steps you can take for the best chance of living cancer-free.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Australia, and a diagnosis can hit like a bolt from above - unforeseen, random and regularly chalked up to powers beyond our control.

But according to a 2015 study by the Cancer Council of Australia, 38 per cent of the 48,000 annual cancer deaths in this country are potentially preventable.

Speaking at the time of the study's release, Professor Sanchia Aranda, Cancer Council Australia CEO, said the its findings indicated risk factors such as smoking, UV exposure, poor diet choices, alcohol consumption and body weight contributed 90 per cent of all preventable cancers. The good news? These are all factors within your control.

So, what are some of the most preventable types of cancer, and how can you avoid becoming another statistic?

We live in one of the world's most sun-drenched countries, and Australians on the whole have an obsession with the outdoors. But not everyone seems to be living by the classic 'slip, slop slap' mantra.

In fact, Cancer Australia estimates that almost 14,000 new cases of melanoma - the most dangerous type of skin cancer - were diagnosed in the past year, and almost 2,000 people died from the disease.

While the five-year survival rate from this type of cancer sits at 90 per cent, the focus shouldn't be on beating it - it should be on not getting it at all. The Cancer Council's guidelines on avoiding skin cancer involve some smart fashion choices, like a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing that covers your skin; applying a broad spectrum SPF30+ (or higher) sunscreen (and reapplying it every two hours); and limiting your exposure to sunlight by seeking shade.

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women, and the seventh most common cancer overall.

But thanks to significant scientific breakthroughs with the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine and regular Pap test screening, we now have has one of the lowest mortality rates from cervical cancer in the world.

The guidelines around cervical screening changed slightly towards the end of last year, with the Department of Health replacing the Pap test with a new Cervical Screening test. So if you have a cervix, your GP will be able to chat you through the updates.

In Australia, 59 per cent of mouth cancers, as well as 84 per cent of lung cancers in men and 77 per cent in women, are caused by smoking. Around 31 per cent are caused by excess alcohol consumption.

Together, these two vices make a terrible pair. Research indicates that alcohol and cigarettes, both known carcinogens, actually work in tandem to increase the risk of cancer in your upper digestive tract. Your best bet at avoiding these types of cancers is being more restrained in your alcohol consumption, and quitting cigarettes.

There is now a clear body of evidence indicating bowel cancer is more prevalent among those who eat large amounts of red and processed meats. In 2015, the World Health Organisation (WHO) added processed meats (think bacon, ham, salami, sausages) to its Group 1 carcinogen list. This means there is overwhelming evidence these types of meat cause cancerous cells. The jury is still out on red meat though, with the WHO classifying this type of meat as a 'probable' cause of cancer.

Because the delicate digestive system processes food, it has the most exposure to anything carcinogenic that you put in your body. For that reason, diet and alcohol consumption can both have a big effect on your risk of developing colorectal (bowel) cancer.

With this in mind, the World Cancer Research Fund recommends limiting your intake of red meat to 500g or less per week, with very little - if any - of this amount being processed.

While its occurrence continues to decline, gastric cancer remains the second most common cancer worldwide. About 2,100 people are diagnosed with stomach cancer in Australia each year, with men twice as likely to be affected as women.

While the exact causes are unknown, strong links are emerging to lifestyle choices such as - you guessed it - poor diet and alcohol consumption. One of the main risk factors involved in this type of cancer is obesity.

A recently published study in the British Journal of Cancer indicted that overweight people in their twenties who go on to become obese later in life could be three times more likely to develop cancer of the oesophagus or upper stomach later in life - even more compelling evidence for a balanced diet low on saturated fat.

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.