Cancer Awareness Month: Your Proactive Guide to a Healthier Future
- Jupiter Warnbro
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
G'day, Australia! This July, Jupiter Health is putting a vital spotlight on Cancer Awareness Month. It's a time to reflect on the immense power of preventative health and how simple, regular checkups can genuinely save your life. While cancer is a serious concern, the good news is that a significant number of cases are preventable, and early detection dramatically improves outcomes. Let's dive in and see how you can take charge of your health.
The Life-Saving Power of Prevention: What You Can Do
When it comes to cancer, prevention is often the best medicine. Modifiable lifestyle factors play a massive role in reducing your risk. It's about making smart choices every day that add up to significant protection for your long-term health.
Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
Eat for Health: Fuel your body with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, red and processed meats, and sugary drinks. A healthy diet is a cornerstone of cancer prevention.
Stay Active: Regular physical activity isn't just great for your waistline; it significantly lowers the risk of several cancers. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of at least 13 different types of cancer. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a powerful preventative measure.
Be SunSmart: Your Shield Against Skin Cancer
Living in sunny Queensland, sun safety isn't just a suggestion; it's a necessity. Skin cancer remains Australia's most common cancer, but it's also largely preventable. Remember the iconic "Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide" message:
Slip on a shirt.
Slop on sunscreen (SPF 30+).
Slap on a hat.
Seek shade.
Slide on sunnies. Regular skin checks by your GP are also crucial for early detection.
Ditch the Durries and Go Easy on the Grog
Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is the single best thing you can do to reduce your cancer risk. Smoking causes a huge proportion of all cancers, not just lung cancer. Our team can help you with strategies and support to give up the cigarettes.
Limit Alcohol: Even moderate alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several cancers. Cutting down or avoiding alcohol altogether can make a real difference.
Early Detection is Key: Regular Check-ups & Screening Programs
While prevention is powerful, not all cancers can be avoided. That's where early detection comes in. Finding cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms even appear, greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and improved survival. This is why regular check-ups and participation in national screening programs are absolutely vital.
National Cancer Screening Programs in Australia
Australia has some fantastic, evidence-based cancer screening programs designed to pick up common cancers early:
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: If you're aged 50-74, you'll receive a free, at-home bowel screening kit every two years. Even if you're 45-49, you can request your first kit. This simple bowel cancer test looks for hidden blood in your stool and can detect changes that might lead to bowel cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in Australia.
BreastScreen Australia: For women aged 50-74, a free mammogram every two years is recommended. Women aged 40-49 and over 74 are also eligible and encouraged to discuss screening with their doctor. Breast cancer screening (mammograms) helps find breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
National Cervical Screening Program: Women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 who have ever been sexually active should have a Cervical Screening Test (CST) every five years. This test looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes almost all cervical cancers. You may even have the option for self-collection, making it more convenient than ever.
National Lung Cancer Screening Program: As of July 2025, a new program offers free low-dose CT scans for eligible people aged 50-70 with a significant smoking history. This aims to find lung cancer early in high-risk individuals.
Know Your Body & Report Changes
Beyond these organised programs, being body aware is your superpower. Pay attention to any unusual or persistent changes in your body, such as:
New or changing moles or skin spots.
Persistent cough or hoarseness.
Changes in bowel or bladder habits.
Unexplained lumps or swelling.
Unusual bleeding or discharge.
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, don't just brush it off – see your GP straight away. Getting it checked doesn't mean it's cancer, but it's always best to be sure.
How Jupiter Health Warnbro Can Help
At Jupiter Health Warnbro, your health is our priority. Our experienced team of GPs and nurses are here to support you with comprehensive preventative care and facilitate early detection. We can:
Discuss your cancer risk factors.
Provide advice on lifestyle changes for cancer prevention.
Conduct skin checks.
Order and explain screening tests for bowel, breast, cervical, and lung cancer.
Investigate any new symptoms or concerns you might have.
Provide referrals to specialists if needed.
Take Action Today: Your Life is Worth It!
Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect reminder to put your health at the top of the list. Taking these proactive steps can truly save your life and help you enjoy many more years with your loved ones.
Don't wait for symptoms. Be proactive, be informed, and be vigilant about your health.
Jupiter Health Warnbro Shop 52, 206 Warnbro Sound Avenue, Warnbro, WA
Phone: 08 9599 8100
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