APH

Supplied by Algoma Public Health… From 2010 – 2012, residents in the Algoma district had a higher rate of newly diagnosed cancer cases than the provincial rate. Specifically, our rates were higher for colorectal, esophageal, kidney and renal pelvis, lung and bronchus, prostate and thyroid cancers. “Research has shown that at least 50% of all cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices,” says Michelle Luckhardt, a public health nurse at Algoma Public Health. “However, as determined by the 2013-2014 Canadian Community Health Survey many residents are not faring well on several key lifestyle factors.”

For example, of residents aged 12 and over:

” 23.8% report they are current smokers ” 27.8% report excessive alcohol consumption at least once a month ” 58.7% report they are overweight ” 28.7% report consuming five or more fruits and vegetables per day ” 59.2% report more ‘leisure time physical activity’ than the equivalent of 30 minutes per day

If this was a report card, our teachers would tell us that we’re not doing so well. The good news is there is always room for improvement. We need to continue to make healthier lifestyle choices:

” avoid tobacco ” limit alcohol consumption ” maintain a healthy body weight ” follow Canada’s Food Guide ” participate in physical activity on a daily basis ” practice sun safety

Algoma residents can also be proactive and participate in age-appropriate cancer screening that saves lives by finding pre-cancerous changes or helps detect cancer at an early stage when treatment is generally more successful. Breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening programs are currently available in Ontario. Further information can be found at Screen for Life, or by calling 1-866-662-9233.

Know your risk: ” visit MyCancerIQ to assess your individual risk ” talk to your health care provider ” call Algoma Public Health at 1-866-892-0172 for more information on how to reduce your risk

Infographic: Algoma Cancer Bulletin: Cancer Incidence Rates 2010-2012