Research suggests that only 5 to 10% of cancers run in families. Some factors, like age, are outside our control, and some we just don’t know about yet.

The really good news is that up to 45% of cancer in Alberta is linked to factors we can control.

So while it’s not possible to completely prevent getting cancer, there are many proven things we can do to greatly reduce our risk. This is what cancer prevention is all about.

Preventing cancer doesn’t happen overnight and it can’t be done alone. Working together we can prevent many cancers by:

• making everyday choices that make a big difference
• visiting health care providers regularly for screening tests and preventive care
• supporting changes in our communities and workplaces that make it easier for all of us to reduce our risk

You may be surprised by how much you can do to prevent cancers like breast, lung, colorectal, cervical, and skin cancer.

REDUCE YOUR RISK

There are more ways to reduce your risk of cancer than you may have thought. With a few changes to your daily choices—and support for changes in your community that make these choices easier—you can greatly reduce the risk of cancer for you and the people you care about. To learn how, click on the links below:

EAT HEALTHY

PREVENT HPV INFECTIONS

GET SCREENED

LIMIT UV RAYS

LIVE TOBACCO-FREE

BE ACTIVE

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT

DRINK LESS ALCOHOL

OTHER RISK FACTORS