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For the 2 in 5 Manitobans who will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, it’s the moment everything changes.

It’s the moment you slow down and focus on the things that matter.
And it’s when you stop taking your tomorrows for granted.

Danica, Nahdoondoo, and Matt know the value of making small changes
in your everyday life to reduce your cancer risk.

Cancer has affected each of them and they know Protecting Your Tomorrows by nourishing your body, being
active, and practicing sun safety can dramatically reduce your risk of
developing cancer.

Danica encourages you to protect your tomorrows by nourishing your body.

Danica was just 27 years old when she was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma. “One of the biggest things an oncologist tells you when you are in cancer treatment is you must get your nutrition in. When I was diagnosed and looking for ways to nourish my body, I started eating more protein rich and whole foods.”

Today, Danica is cancer-free. Her journey inspired her to make healthy eating a priority and she uses her voice and her platforms to inspire others to do the same.

You can protect your tomorrows by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Choose high fibre, whole grain, and enriched products. Eat seven to ten servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and choose dark green and orange fruits and vegetables. Opt for lower-fat milk products. Select leaner meats, poultry, and fish, as well as dried peas, beans, and lentils. Limit your alcohol consumption.

If all Manitobans started eating healthy today, we could prevent 1300 cancer cases in 2038. 

If all Manitobans maintained a healthy weight starting today, we could prevent 650 cancer cases in 2038.

Nahdoondoo encourages you to protect your tomorrows by being active.

Nahdoondoo was 34 years old when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. “I struggled with mental fatigue and feeling drained after my diagnosis.” By making small changes, Nahdoondoo has been able to add movement and exercise into her days without sacrificing work.  She has more energy and is feeling positive about her future.

You can protect your tomorrows by being active. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of cancer. It can also reduce stress, increases energy levels and can improve your outlook on life. Staying active doesn’t need to mean running a marathon or spending hours at a gym. Take a walk once a day or choose the stairs instead of the elevator if you are able. Spend less time in front of the television or computer. Play actively with your kids. Walk, wheel or cycle for short trips.

There is strong evidence that physical activity protects against colon, endometrium and post-menopausal breast cancers. Evidence also suggests that physical activity can help prevent bladder, lung, liver, kidney, stomach, and esophagus cancers.

Matt encourages you to protect your tomorrows by practicing sun safety.

Matt has been living with skin cancer since his diagnosis at 24 years old. “I wish I could go back in time and recognize how easy it was to change my lifestyle to be more sun safe.” Matt is committed to making sure his young son is making good choices when it comes to the sun. “Practicing sun safety is a really easy way to balance living for tomorrow by making good choices today.”

You can protect yourself and your family from exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays by covering up in the sun and wearing sunscreen. UV exposure can increase the risk for developing malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Remember, even Manitoba’s abundant winter sunshine can have an effect, so follow these guidelines all year! Avoid the sun from 10am to 4pm and protect yourself during these times by seeking shade. Wear clothing to cover your arms and legs. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) about 30 minutes before you leave the house and reapply hourly or after swimming.

The number of new melanoma cases (the most serious form of skin cancer) diagnosed in Manitoba
is 20 times higher in 2021 than it was in the 1960s.

You can support cancer prevention activities at CancerCare Manitoba today.
Learn more about cancer prevention by visiting CancerCare Manitoba’s screening program website: cancerprevention.ca.