New campaign aims to cut the risk of cancer in Alberta by half

Watch above: A new campaign has been launched in the province, aimed at reducing the risk of cancer in Albertans by 50 per cent. Ross Neitz explains.

EDMONTON – One out of every two people in Alberta will, at some point in their lifetime, develop cancer. Every day, 45 people are diagnosed with the disease; another 15 die from it.

They’re sobering statistics that Alberta Health Services (AHS) is hoping to reduce through a preventative approach. It hopes to cut the rate of cancer risk in the province by 50 per cent, by encouraging Albertans to make healthier choices.

“It is estimated that up to one-third of all cancers can be prevented simply by not using tobacco or not being exposed to second-hand smoke,” said Health Minister Fred Horne.

“And one-third of the most common cancers can be prevented through diet and exercise.”

AHS is launching an ad campaign promoting its ‘Alberta Prevents Cancer’ website, which offers ways to reduce your risk of cancer, along with supports and programs available for those unable to avoid it.

“When we spoke with Albertans about cancer prevention, we heard loud and clear that while cancer is a concern, many people feel uncertain about how they can reduce their own risks,” says Dr. Predy, Senior Medical Officer of Health for AHS.

“This website is one tool through which Albertans can be informed and empowered.”

WATCH: Expect to see this ‘Alberta Prevents Cancer’ commerical on T.V. soon:  

As the video’s description states, “preventing cancer doesn’t happen overnight and can’t be done alone. Working together we can prevent many cancers by:

• Making everyday choices that make a big difference.
• Visiting health care providers regularly for screening tests and preventive care.
• Supporting changes in our communities and workplaces that make it easier for all of us to reduce our risk.”

Dr. Paul Grundy, of CancerControl Alberta, says health officials realize that a website is not going to prevent cancer, but the initiative is just the first step.

“This is trying to create that awareness that people don’t have, about the fact they can adjust their risk factors. They can help reduce their risk of cancer.”

To find out more about the campaign, visit Alberta Prevents Cancer.

It’s expected that by 2030, the number of cancer cases will be 60 per cent higher than it is today, mostly because of a growing and aging population.

With files from Ross Neitz, Global News