Many cancer risk factors are known. With the exception of aging and hereditary factors, it is possible to act on some of them to prevent the disease. Experts estimate that nearly half of all cancer cases could be avoided by quitting smoking and adopting healthy lifestyle habits. This means that anyone can take steps, whether or not they have cancer, to reduce their risk and improve their quality of life.
On this page:
Quit smoking
Quitting smoking has been shown to reduce cancer mortality. Quitting smoking not only prevents lung cancer, but also other types of cancer whose risk increases with smoking, such as cancer of:
the bladder
the esophagus
the ear, nose and throat (ENT) region
In Québec, anti-smoking policies have been adopted. They have led to a decline in tobacco use in recent years. Government tobacco control activities must continue. They focus, in particular, on:
The 1-866-JARRETE (527‑7383) helpline and the Tobacco-Free Quebec website help people who want to quit smoking. Smokers also have access to free support services offered by health professionals in 150 smoking cessation centres.
To find out all the measures taken to combat smoking, go to the pages Smoke free lifestyle and Electronic cigarettes. For more information on smoking trends in Québec, go to the Institut national de santé publique du Québec’s Tabagisme page (in French only).
Protect yourself from environmental risk factors
Certain components in the environment are associated with a higher risk of cancer. Protect yourself from the following risk factors:
Workers may develop cancer after being exposed to carcinogens at work, including:
asbestos
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
the exhaust gases of some diesel equipment
These substances and many other products can cause serious cancers such as:
mesothelioma
lung cancer
bladder cancer
sinus cancer
cancer of the digestive system
To help eliminate them or to prevent workers from being exposed to them, the gouvernement du Québec intervenes in workplaces. Prevention and monitoring programs are implemented to counter the risk of exceeding exposure thresholds for these substances.
Prevention is the best way to protect yourself against cancer. Nearly half of cancers can be avoided by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, for example:
avoid using tobacco
eat healthily
limit alcohol consumption
have an active lifestyle
maintain a healthy weight
Adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits has a significant effect on reducing the risk of cancer and on the quality of life of the population, including people with cancer.
Actions are taken to promote physical activity and a healthy diet:
the adoption of policies on healthy lifestyle habits in schools, childcare services and institutions in the health care network
the creation of environments conducive to healthy lifestyle habits in schools, municipalities and workplaces
Vaccination against infections caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)
In order to prevent HPV lesions that can lead to cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is offered free of charge, in schools, to children in Grade 4 of primary school. Young people under 20 years of age who have not been vaccinated can also receive the vaccine free of charge.