Prevention and Screening

pamphlets in the cancer centreDurham Regional Cancer centre

Prevention

You can help reduce your risk of getting cancer by keeping your body healthy. These are things that you can do:

  • Be physically active. Exercise for 30 to 45 minutes on most days of the week. You can keep moving by working out at the gym or just taking the dog for a walk. This will help keep your body weight under control.
  • Eat foods that are healthy choices.
  • Do not drink alcohol.
  • Do not smoke. Stay away from environments that are smoke filled. 

Screening 

Screening for breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer can find cancer early, before you notice any symptoms. It is important to be screened for cancer even if you do not have any symptoms. In the early stages, breast cancer, cervical cancer and colorectal cancer can be hard to see or feel. Cancer screening can find abnormal changes or cancer that is still at an early stage. For example: there is a 90% chance of beating colorectal cancer if its is caught early.

You can use the Time to Screen Tool to find out when you should start cancer screening. Talk to your family doctor or health care provider today. 

Information for Healthcare Providers: