Cancer prevention

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.

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 implementation of the provisions of the Tobacco Control Act
• the prevention of smoking among young people
• protection against environmental tobacco smoke
• support to quit smoking

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).

Certain components in the environment are associated with a higher risk of cancer. Protect yourself from the following risk factors:

• Ultraviolet rays
• Asbestos
• Radon

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.

To find out about the actions taken, go to the Réseau de santé publique en santé au travail website (in French only).

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
• the Approche École en santé Program (in French only)

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.

For more information, go to the page Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines protect against certain infectious agents that can lead to liver cancer.

To find out more, go to the page Hepatitis A and B vaccine.