Media releases
College of GPs highlights lifestyle factors reduce cancer risk on World Cancer Day
2 February 2011
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is urging the community to increase their awareness of the lifestyle factors contributing to the risk of preventable cancers. The call to action comes as World Cancer Day approaches on Friday 4 February 2011.
RACGP spokesperson Dr Ronald McCoy said that, with current medical knowledge, it is believed that around half of all cancer cases can be prevented.
“Smoking, sun exposure, poor diet, alcohol consumption and inadequate physical activity are all significant risk factors for cancer which can be modified.
“In particular, smoking harms nearly every organ in the body, causing many diseases and reducing general health and wellbeing in both the smoker, as well as anyone exposed to their second-hand smoke,” he said.
According to a recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, smoking is the largest cause of cancer in humans, accounting for approximately 20–30 percent of all cancers. The association between smoking and cancer is dose-related, with longer duration and heavier consumption increasing the chance of developing a cancer. However, to stop smoking can greatly reduce the risk of smoking-related cancers.
Dr McCoy said that GPs can help to give patients information they need to quit smoking.
“Resolving to quit smoking requires a solid support network and sound advice. Your GP is the best place to start for quality, evidence-based information and can provide you and your family with ongoing support and care,” he said.
Further information for GPs on cancer risk factors and management is available in the RACGP SNAP: a population health guide to behavioural risk factors in general practice guide. Please visit www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/snap.
The RACGP Smoking cessation guidelines for Australian general practice are available www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/smokingcessation.
