Cancer is not inevitable. It is not just “in your genes” or destiny! There is much we can do to promote health, and to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Many factors contribute to the chain of events leading to cancer, so there are many opportunities to tip the odds in our favour.

All of us can make healthy and least-toxic choices every day. Don’t underestimate the power of a good example, as we model good choices to our families and friends. Remember too, what we choose to buy sends messages to the corporate world.

There are many ways to prevent cancer in your daily life — one choice at a time — Guided by Science and Inspired by Actions.

Start With a Dozen:
Our Top 12 Cancer Prevention Tips

Don’t smoke or vape. If you do already, cut back as much as you can, keep smoke away from others, and get help to quit.

Eat a diverse, largely plant-based diet — local, and organically grown as much as possible. Drink lots of pure water, filtered if necessary, and avoid sugary drinks and alcohol. Don’t burn or char your food, and cook vegetables lightly if at all. Use glass and stainless steel for food storage and cooking. Avoid plastic.

Move your body, outdoors if possible. And have fun doing it! Sweating is good.

Make sure you get enough vitamin D, through careful exposure to sunshine, or supplements. Practice sun-safety and avoid tanning beds.

Practice simple personal care, and choose commercial products wisely, without parabens, phthalates, PFAS, scents, triclosan or other toxicants.

Take care indoors. Remove shoes, eliminate mould and dampness, and avoid smoke. Dust with a damp cloth and clean using unscented soap and water, vinegar, baking or washing soda (not along with vinegar), or oxygen bleach as needed. Choose toxin-free materials for home renovations. Get professional help for asbestos or lead in older buildings, and test your basement for radon.

Be aware of contributors to cancer in the workplace. Use personal protection, shower and change at work, and lobby for least-toxic practices. Ask your doctor about melatonin for shift work.

Avoid cancer causing infections – practice safe sex and don’t share anything that contacts body fluids (e.g., needles, pipes).

Ask your doctor for medical imaging, if needed, that involves the least possible radiation.

Be tech-savvy. Use and install wired internet connections whenever possible, and opt for fibre to your home. Be careful with wireless communications devices, keeping them off your body and away from children.

Learn stress-management techniques. Get enough sleep. Cultivate supportive social networks.

Use least-toxic pest control at home, and work to stop pesticide use in your community.