Raising cancer awareness to save lives

Every day, 60 Victorians are diagnosed with cancer. However, thanks to advances in treatment and earlier detection, survival rates across the state continue to improve each year.

The Cancer Council Victoria and CFA have recently held a series of educational sessions. The sessions focussed on the benefits of early detection including regular screening for some cancers and recognition of symptoms, as well as advice about making lifestyle choices to reduce cancer risk.

The Cancer Council Victoria has the following advice to help you become more cancer aware:

Know your own body

Finding cancer early offers one of the best chances to cure the disease. Watch for any unusual changes to your body, such as:

• Lumps, sores or ulcers that don't heal


• Unusual changes in your breasts


• Coughs that don't go or show blood, a persistent hoarseness


• Weight loss that can't be explained


• For women, loss of blood, including spotting between or after your periods have stopped


• Moles that change shape, size, or colour, or bleed


• Blood in a bowel motion


• Persistent changes in toilet habits

Consider your screening options

Screening for bowel, breast and cervical cancer saves lives. Speak to your GP or call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 for further information about cancer screening.


Cut your cancer risk

A healthy lifestyle reduces your risk of cancer, as well as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. The Cancer Council Victoria recommends the following steps to reduce your cancer risk:

• Don’t smoke


• Avoid second-hand tobacco smoke


• Be SunSmart


• Be active


• Maintain a healthy weight


• Avoid or limit alcohol


• Eat a healthy diet

For more information visit http://www.blogger.com/www.cancervic.org.au or call the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.