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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1981-04-01, Page 42page 12. Improve your chances of beating cancer Cancer is one of the most common diseases in Canada. Although it is a very, serious illness, there are many things that 'can be done to improve your chances of beating cancer. The two major ways to reduce your risk of cancer are through prevention and early detection. Prevention: Individual and Collective Action It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of cancers are taus - ed by agents in our environ- ment. Some of these are well known; many others have yet to be named. By identify- ing and avoiding such substances, many . cancers can be prevented. This takes both personal action and group action. Exposure to cancer- causing agents • can sometimes be limited' by per- sonal action. A well-known example is cigarette smok- ing. This particular cause of many cancers can be avoid- ed — do not smoke. Another is excessive exposure to sunlight which can lead to skin cancer. Even in Canada! if you work out- doors a lot, cover up and help prevent skin cancer. More and more, people are also realizing that there is a need -for- collective action to reduce contact with substances that cause cancer. This is particularly true in certain industrial situations. In fact, the government has decided to completely prohibit the manufacture of certain chemicals because they are so dangerous. Group pressure can also have a pro- found effect on individual ac- tion Sometimes... directly,. such as through collective bargaining, and sometimes by promoting legislative and other institutional changes that in turn influence in- dividuals. As additional research is done, substances in the general environment — in- cluding many in the workplace — are- being discovered which may play a role in cancer. As well, those living near certainrindustrial sites have a higher incidence of cancer: Thechallenge is to identify the harmful elements and prevent ex- posure to them at their point of origin. Prevention in . the Workplace A major source of cancer- , causing agents in our en- . vironment is the workplace. Workers •in certain in- dustries face a greater risk of . cancer..than those in, other,. occupations. Many mining, chemical, manufacturing and other in- dustrial processes involve the use of substances which cause cancer. A few of the more well-known ones are, asbestos, arsenic,vinyl chloride, benzidine, and various metallic ores. There are many others that are proven to cause cancer in humans, while many more are now suspected (but not fully proven) of causing cancer. Asbestos is a particularly important example. It is a widely -used material that is associated with several types of cancer. Risk of cancer . becomes even greater when exposure to asbestos is mixed with ex- posure to another cancer - ,causing agent, tobacco smoke. This is true for a number of items that can .br- ing..about_.cancer. : Exposure to the combination of two or more substances may result . On Valentine's Day 400 candle bearers gathered in Croderich's Court House Park and held a prayer vigil for Terry Fox and other victims of cancer. The event was organized by Ronnie Varga and later copied by the city of Toronto. (Photo by Dave Sykes) in fair higher risk than they would pose individually. There are two ways to avoid personal exposure to these cancer-causing agents on the job. The most impor- tant is to have them iden- tified and eliminated from the immediate area of the workplace. Another way, un- til such poisons can be removed entirely, is to take individual protective measures, such as wearing safety., clothing. Often, a combination of methods is required. Early Detection Early detection of cancer is also very important. Although it does not replace the need for prevention of cancer, early detection and treatment give the best op- portunity for curing or con- trolling the disease v • For women, the Pap test for cancer of the cervix is. part prevention, part early .detection. As well as being able to find cancer at an ear- ly stage, changes. in certain body cells can be discovered through the use of the Pap test before they become cancer. The Pap test is sim- ple, painless, and could save your life, In some industrial, areas, sputum cytology and medical examinations may alsohe..used..to.help discover .. any possible cancer at an early stage. There are other things can do to promote early detection. Watch forany changes in your normal state of health. Take notice of anything out of the ordinary that lasts for a while. If you keep coughing, if your bowel habits become different for many days, or. if you' have. any unusual bleeding: see your. doctor. It's probably not cancer, but you should, have ;it checked. Other symptoms that you should have looked after include unexplained weight loss, constant fatigue, persistent hoarseness and prolonged in- digestion. Find out about any sore that does not heal, or a change in a wart or mole. This can sometimes (but not necessarily) be a sign of skin cancer. If you see your doc- tor quickly, most of the 'time it can,be completely cured. Women should practise breast self-examination. Most breast lumps (85 per cent) are not cancer, but on- ly your doctor can be sure. Breast self-examination allows you to discover anything wrong at an early stage. Cancers discovered before they spread can be treated much more suc- cessfully. are fear and ignorance. You can help eliminate them. Perhaps not everyone in your family knows how they can prevent cancer or how to detect it early. Talk to them about the steps discussed. above. Most afraid somethi bably n to the d controll. important, members of yo ur family might be to see a .doctor if ng is wrong. It's pro- of cancer, but only your doctor can tell. And if it is cant er, the faster you go actor, the better your chances are of completely ing it. Talk to your spouse, child or parent about his or. her health. You can make the difference. • • Join with your Fellow Workers Just as with your family, you can help those you work with. Share your knowledge about how 'to detect cancer early or prevent it altogether. Contact your local unit of the Canadian Cancer Society and ask for help in having a program where you can learn more about how to beat cancer. Get in touch with your union for detailed infor- mation about your work con- dit. Beingions.together with the same group of people every day gives you a great oppor- tunity. Join . with your .fellosv. workers • to inform yourselves about any yattiallawbrkplace. Take action to avoid ex- posure to dangerous substances, including those that can cause cancer, where you work. Unions often play the leading role in influencing government regulation and employer CO - operation in reducing these hazards. Get involved with your local workplace health and safety committee. And if you don't have a local com- mittee, get involved with your union and co-workers to start one. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE COUNTING ON YOU. Talk with your Family Two of our worst enemies in the fight against cancer Cancer facts... Lung cancer continues to increase in Canada and it parallels the increase in cigarette smoking among Canadians. But it can be prevented. The Canadian Cancer Society urges that if you smoke — stop and if you don't smoke — don't start. +++ At least 50,000 Canadian Cancer Society volunteers helped to soften the impact of cancer for patients and their families last year through the Service to Pa- tients Program. Volunteers visit, ' transport and give moral support to cancer pa- tients. 1D BANK This informative publication Is brought to you with the kind co-operation of the following TOR®NTOIDOMINION SUNCOAST MALL GODERICH u MAURICE GARDINER REAL ESTATE LIMITED 14 STANLEY STREET GODERICH 524.2966 "CALL US -TO WELCOME YOU HOME" DAVE HAYLOW ELECTRICAL Serving Industrial, Commercial, Residential Needs 524-6038