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WHY IT'S GOOD TO KNOW YOUR RISK

Reason #1: Preventing cancer is easier than you think

In 2018, 84,816 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Ontario and 29,712 Ontarians died from cancer. Many people assume cancer can’t be prevented. But studies have shown that in countries similar to Canada, up to 50 percent of cancers could be prevented by changes in risk factors related to behaviours (e.g., tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity) and to occupational and environmental exposures.

Reason #2: Awareness sparks action

Understanding the factors that affect your cancer risk is an important first step on the path to a healthier future. While you can’t change some things, like your age or your family history, there are many other factors you can control.

Smoking, for example, is responsible for nearly a quarter of cancer deaths worldwide and is the leading cause of premature death in Canada. Although most people know that smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, not everyone is aware that it also increases the risk of other types — such as colorectal, cervical, liver and bladder cancer.

For many people, knowing the impact their behaviours have on their cancer risk is a strong incentive to make positive changes.

Reason #3: Screening can help prevent and detect cancer early

For several forms of cancer, regular testing can make it possible to detect changes that could lead to cancer or catch cancer in its earliest stages. Referred to as screening, this sort of testing is an important part of reducing the burden of cancer in Ontario. For example, if colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is caught early by regular screening, there is a 90% chance it can be cured.

The My CancerIQ website will help you understand whether you could benefit from cancer screening. Experts have estimated that we could cut the number of cancers in the province by half if most Ontarians were regularly screened for cancer and made healthier choices in their daily lives.

Reason #4: It’s about more than cancer

It may help to know that making positive lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of more than just cancer.

Most of the diseases responsible for serious illness in Ontario – such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and diabetes – share many of the same risk factors. So the changes you make to reduce your risk of cancer can also help decrease your risk of other chronic diseases. The payoff? You increase your odds of living a longer, healthier life.

When you finish an assessment, be sure to save, print or email your personalized risk assessment report and action plan. You may also want to share your report with your doctor or nurse practitioner. Together you can decide how to move forward towards a healthier future.

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Disclaimer

Information provided on the My CancerIQ website is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and therefore should not be interpreted as, medical advice, professional diagnosis, or medical opinion and should not be relied on in any such regard. The information provided through the My CancerIQ website is not a substitute for medical services. Do not act or rely upon this information without seeking the advice of a physician or other healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the My CancerIQ website.

Please refer to the My CancerIQ Terms and Conditions of Use for more information on the limitations of this website and the rules governing your use of it.

Last Modified: May 05, 2025

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