New cancer stats released

The Canadian Cancer Society released its annual cancer statistics report this week. It predicts that nearly 1 in 2 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.  The report says that 206,200 Canadians will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2017. Leah Smith, the society’s epidemiologist, says that this high number is a reflection of the growing and aging population. “About 90% of all the cancers that we expect to be diagnosed in 2017 will be among Canadians 50 years and older,” she said. "As more people live into old age, the number of cancer cases will continue to rise.” The good news? The report reinforces a very important message that is supported by mounting research evidence: we can reduce our cancer risk by focusing on healthy behaviours. Eating well, remaining physically active, quitting smoking and sun safety, along with appropriate cancer screenings, are key considerations. Read our top rated web resources about cancer below:

Featured Resources

  1. How to reduce cancer risk
  2. Breast cancer: Risks and benefits, age 50-69
  3. Cervical cancer: Patient FAQ
  4. Screening for lung cancer
  5. Prostate cancer: Patient FAQ
  6. Colorectal cancer test recommendations
  7. Detecting melanoma skin cancer

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DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.