We can’t prevent all cancers, but we can prevent a lot of them.
Almost half of all Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, but that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. Approximately 4 in 10 cancers are preventable through lifestyle and policies that support a healthy environment.
Cervical cancer is the only cancer that is 100% preventable through vaccination. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against the virus that causes cancer, and it is widely available for everyone under age 45 in Canada. While other cancers can’t be entirely prevented, we can still lower our risk. The leading cause of preventable cancer is tobacco exposure, which is linked to 12 different kinds of cancer.
Other behaviours that can reduce your risk of cancer include eating fruits and vegetables, getting enough exercise, protecting yourself from the sun, and limiting alcohol consumption. If you want to learn more about the behaviours and circumstances that can reduce your risk of cancer, check out the resources from the Canadian Population Attributable Risk of Cancer (ComPARe) Study.
Most Canadians already know what works when it comes to prevention.
Out of 2,000 Canadians surveyed, about 90% agreed or strongly agreed that living smoke free can reduce your risk of cancer. People also agreed that practicing sun safety, exercising, and maintaining a healthy body weight are important for reducing cancer risk.
All of these recommendations can help to reduce the risk of cancer. But that doesn’t mean that cancer prevention is simple or that it is entirely up to each individual. We should never judge someone for getting cancer or assume why they have cancer. We can never know the circumstances of someone’s life or how hard they have tried to follow these recommendations.
Not everyone has the same chances to follow prevention advice. Access to healthy foods, safe places to live and play, time, income, and social support are important and are known as the social determinants of health. When you read about cancer prevention, remember that these recommendations are not just tips for you, they are a reminder that the environment needs to change to make health possible for everyone.
Many people believe popular unproven claims about cancer prevention.
Even though people are aware of what they can do to reduce their risk of cancer, people also believe a lot of common myths. Almost 70% of people in our survey believe that superfoods can reduce your risk of cancer, even though “superfood” is a marketing term, not a scientific or nutritional one. Half of Canadians think that vitamins and supplements can prevent cancer, and the same proportion for organic foods. There is no evidence to support either of these beliefs.
There are many claims about cancer prevention in our information environment, so it’s understandable that we might believe or want to believe these myths. When it comes to cancer, we all want clear answers and hopeful solutions and that’s exactly what makes us vulnerable to misinformation. Some people take advantage of that by offering quick fixes, exploiting our fears, or promising certainty where there usually is none. Learn more about the tactics used people who spread misinformation and how to protect yourself from being misled using our resources below.
Resources for the public
Discover toolkits and information about how to spot misinformation online or in the media. We also provide brief translations of our research for sharing.
Resources for healthcare professionals
Discover toolkits and information for confronting misinformation at work or with other healthcare providers.
- Canadian Population Attributable Risk of Cancer (ComPARe) study: explore cancer prevention statistics and infographics.
- Canadian Cancer Society, Reduce Your Risk