Cancer Council Queensland has launched its very first risk calculator in response to the fact one-third of all cancer cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices.
The Cancer Risk Calculator is an interactive online tool that provides personalised information, tips and resources about modifiable behaviours to reduce cancer risk.
Cancer Council Queensland is launching the campaign targeting younger people through social media platforms.
"The premise of the campaign is that there are some numbers we lie about (age), some we pay no attention to (numbers on street signs etc) but there is one number we need to know and pay attention to and that is the score from the Cancer Risk Calculator," said Cancer Council Queensland in a statement.
Recent government data showed 12 per cent of young people smoke daily (18 – 29 years), 23 per cent of young people are obese, 17 per cent are overweight and 25 per cent are risky drinkers.
Queensland is also the skin cancer capital of the world. Young people (18 – 34 years) are at least four times more likely to be sunburnt than older people (65 years and older).
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan said the calculator is a powerful tool to help Queenslanders reduce their cancer risk.
“Currently, at least one-third of all cancer cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and we want to do all we can to make sure Queenslanders are aware of and making these healthier choices,” said Ms McMillan.
“We hope the calculator will raise awareness and give Queenslanders a push to become leaders in reducing their cancer risk.
“Modifiable lifestyle risk factors are habits such as diet, alcohol consumption, weight, physical activity, smoking, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun."
Lifestyle changes can reduce cancer risk while early detection of cancer increases as people become more aware of their health.
According to nib foundation executive officer, Amy Tribe, the organisation is proud to support the health promotion approach to engaging with youth regarding the importance of health prevention.
“Prevention really is better than cure, and small lifestyle changes to diet, alcohol, and exercise for example, can add up to make a big difference to your overall health and wellbeing and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer,” said Mrs Tribe.
“That’s why we jumped at the opportunity to help Cancer Council Queensland deliver their Cancer Risk Calculator to more people in Australia.
“It’s a simple and engaging tool that will help educate young adults on making positive lifestyle choices and hopefully motivate them to lead healthier lives,” added Mrs Tribe.