Cancer awareness: Knowledge saves lives

Cancer affects millions of people globally, contributing significantly to premature disability and early mortality. Its impact goes beyond clinical outcomes, influencing quality of life, workforce participation and long‑term health wellbeing for individuals and families. However, survival rates are steadily improving as many cancers can be prevented or treated more effectively when found early. Awareness, regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices are among the most effective ways to reduce risk.

Why cancer awareness matters

Cancer is one of the most common health conditions globally. The encouraging news is that nearly 40% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes and greater awareness of key risk factors.

Understanding how cancer develops, what increases risk and when to seek support is an important step in protecting your long‑term health. Awareness empowers earlier action — and earlier action saves lives.

Learn the signs and stay informed

Education is one of the most powerful tools for preventing cancer or detecting it early. Simple steps you can take include:

• Learning the common symptoms of cancers that are more likely to affect people of your age or sex
• Checking your body regularly and noticing any changes
• Using trusted sources of information and awareness campaigns, such as World Cancer Day or national screening reminders

Staying informed helps you recognize when something may need medical attention.

Take part in screening programs

Some cancers cause few or no symptoms in their early stages, which is why screening can be lifesaving. Screening matters because it can:

• Detect cancer before symptoms appear
• Find abnormalities that can be treated early
• Reduce the need for more intensive treatment later

Depending on where you live, screenings for cancers such as breast, cervical, bowel, or prostate cancer may be automatically offered once you reach certain ages. If you’re eligible, attending these appointments is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your health.

Your employer may also provide access to private screening options, fast‑track diagnosis pathways or health assessments through workplace benefits, so it’s worth checking what’s available to you.

Understand your personal risk

Everyone’s risk of cancer is different. Factors like family history, age, lifestyle and certain medical conditions can make some people more vulnerable.

Some organizations offer online risk questionnaires or digital health tools that can help highlight areas worth discussing with a healthcare professional. These tools aren't diagnostic, but they can support informed, proactive conversations about your health.

Small lifestyle changes make a big difference

The choices we make day‑to‑day play a major role in reducing cancer risk. Here are a few ways to lower your risk:

• Move more: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and supports hormone balance
• Eat for long-term health: Diets rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and lower in ultra-processed foods, are linked to reduced risk for several cancers
• Prioritize sleep and stress management: Long-term stress and inadequate rest affect immune function and overall wellbeing. Getting enough restorative sleep is critical to ensure your body has time to repair and recover
• Know your alcohol limits: Alcohol increases the risk of several cancers as well as other serious health conditions. If you do choose to drink, avoid binge drinking and ensure you have regular alcohol-free days to help your body recover
• Protect your skin: Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is a major cause of skin cancer - use sun protection where needed

Many workplaces now offer wellbeing apps, gym subsidies, fitness challenges, or nutrition resources. If these are available to you, using them regularly can make staying healthy easier.

Get support to quit smoking

Smoking remains the largest preventable cause of cancer worldwide. If you smoke, stopping is the single most impactful thing you can do for your future health. Support may include:

• Stop‑smoking programs
• Coaching or counseling
• Nicotine replacement options
• Digital tools to track progress

Even one smoke‑free day is a win, and the health benefits begin almost immediately.

Eat in a way that protects your health

Good nutrition strengthens your body’s natural defenses. If you eat at work, choosing balanced meals where possible can make a difference. Many organizations offer healthier options in cafés or vending machines.

You can also use resources like nutrition workshops, wellbeing webinars, or digital recipe tools to help make manageable, lasting changes.

Prevention is powerful

Cancer can be a frightening word, but awareness gives you control. By staying informed, attending screenings and making small lifestyle changes, you’re doing something incredibly important for your long‑term health.

If you ever have concerns about symptoms, family history, or anything unusual in your body, don’t wait — speak to a healthcare professional. Early conversations save lives.

Awareness and prevention matter not only for our own health, but for the people we care about. Many of us will support a friend, family member, or colleague through a cancer journey at some point in our lives. Staying informed, showing compassion and knowing where to seek support — both for them and for yourself — can make a meaningful difference.