A recent study published in the medical journal, The Lancet, revealed that among six countries, cancer survival rates improved for breast, ovarian, lung and colorectal cancer.

In fact, the study found that in all of the four types of cancers Canada’s one year and five-year survival rates were in the top group. Canada had the highest five-year survival rates for both ovarian and lung cancers. And BC had the highest five-year survival rate for ovarian and breast cancer of all jurisdictions in the study.

This is great news and demonstrates some of the progress we’ve made. But we shouldn’t stop here. This same study also highlights that primary prevention to reduce incidence remains the best long-term strategy to reduce cancer burden.

Less than 15 years ago we were in search of the magic bullet cure. We now recognize that likely isn’t possible—at least not in the foreseeable future. Today, thanks to advances in research and a focus on public education, we know that about half of all cancers can be prevented through healthy living, healthy environments and public policies that protect the health of all.

Look at smoking and lung cancer. In BC we can boast that we have the lowest smoking rates in the country — 12 percent.  However, lung cancer still remains the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of developing cancer of the bladder, cervix, colon and rectum, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, stomach mouth and throat and others. Twenty six percent of all cancer deaths in BC will be attributed to lung cancer yet tobacco use remains the largest single preventable cause of death and disease in British Columbia.

Let’s also look at obesity and colorectal, prostate and breast cancer. Studies have shown that one in four Canadians are obese and that number is expected to grow over the next 10 years. What many are still unaware of is that there is a direct link between obesity and cancer. Although we are making progress in survival rates of breast and colorectal cancers, much of this can be undone with the rising obesity rates.

As an individual you can take the steps to prevent cancer in your lifetime and for future generations. You can advocate for healthy public policy and ask for smoking bans in public parks and on beaches. You can commit to walking more and driving less. You can adopt a healthy living lifestyle that includes more exercise and healthy eating. Every step you take will make a difference.

The Canadian Cancer Society encourages you to live well, to be aware and to get involved. We encourage you to join our fight.