Taking steps today to lower your risk
Cancer prevention means taking action to reduce the chance of developing cancer. While not all cancers can be prevented, there are many ways you and your whānau can lower your risk.
Everyone Has a Role
- Individuals and families can make healthy lifestyle choices.
- Government introduces policies like smoke-free areas and bans on harmful products.
- Local councils create safer environments by providing shade in public spaces.
- Workplaces protect staff from exposure to dangerous chemicals.
At the Cancer Society, we advocate for prevention policies and offer programmes, information, and support to help our communities stay well.
How to Reduce Your Cancer Risk
- Be Smokefree and SunSmart
- Eat healthy kai/food
- Limit or avoid alcohol
- Be active daily
- Participate in regular bowel, breast, and cervical screening
Talk to Your Health Provider About:
- Vaccinating children against HPV and Hepatitis B, free vaccines that protect against virus-related cancers
- Testing for hepatitis C or H. pylori if you’re at risk or symptomatic, treatable infections linked to cancer
- Understanding your family history, you may need earlier or extra screening
Understanding Cancer Risk
Cancer develops due to a mix of factors: age, genetics, and exposure to harmful agents like tobacco, radiation, and certain chemicals.
Some risk factors are beyond control, but many can be reduced by healthy living, vaccination, and screening. If you notice unusual symptoms, see your doctor promptly.
For detailed information and resources, please visit the Cancer Society of New Zealand – Cancer Prevention pages here.