What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases characterised by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. When normal cell growth regulation fails, cells multiply rapidly and can form tumours or spread through the body. Cancer can develop in any organ or tissue - common types include breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, melanoma and blood cancers such as Leukemia and lymphoma.

1.9 Million

Australians are cancer survivors or in treatment.

150,000

Cases diagnosed annually in Australia.

Cancer is Australia’s leading cause of death, although survival rates have improved significantly over the previous decades.

Many cancers develop slowly before becoming detectable, while others progress rapidly. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy or a combination. Advances in early detection and treatment have minimised the impact on daily activities for some people receiving treatment.

Risk Factors

Age is the most significant risk factor; the incidence significantly increases after the age of 50. Genetic factors account for 5-10% of cancers, with a family history considerably increasing risk for certain types, including breast, ovarian, colorectal and prostate cancers.

Occupational exposures cause an estimated 5-10% of cancers. High risk substances include asbestos (mesothelioma and lung cancer), benzene (leukemia), diesel exhaust (lung cancer) and ionising radiation. Night shift work is classified as a probable carcinogen for breast and prostate cancers.

Physical inactivity and obesity increase the risk for cancers, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, kidney and liver cancers. Obesity-related inflammation and hormone changes contribute to cancer development and progression.

Reproductive and hormonal factors influence the development of hormone-sensitive cancers. These include menarche and menopause age, reproductive history and hormone replacement therapy use.

Impact of TENSH Habits

Physical Activity

Physical activity provides substantial cancer prevention benefits, including a 12-21% risk reduction for breast, colorectal and endometrial cancers. Exercise enhances immune function, reduces inflammation, maintains healthy hormone levels and supports healthy body weight. Physical activity also improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of recurrence for cancer survivors.

Muscle-strengthening

Muscle strengthening exercises are particularly beneficial during and after cancer treatment to help maintain muscle mass and strength. These are compromised during chemotherapy and radiation treatments, so maintenance support is essential for MSE. MSE also improves fatigue, enhances quality of life and supports functional independence during and after treatment.

Sedentary Behaviour

Sedentary behaviour is associated with increased cancer risk, particularly for colorectal cancer. Breaking up sedentary periods supports immune function.

Fruit & Vegetable Intake

Fruit and vegetable intake provides protective antioxidants, fibre, and phytonutrients that help prevent DNA damage and support immune function. Adequate fruit and vegetable intake is associated with reduced risk of digestive, respiratory, and some hormone-related cancers.

Sugar & Saturated Fat

Managing added-sugar and saturated fat intake helps maintain a healthy body weight and reduces inflammation, both of which are important for cancer prevention. Limiting processed and red meat consumption specifically reduces colorectal cancer risk, while reducing saturated fat may lower the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.

Managing Alcohol Intake

Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen linked to multiple cancer types. Even moderate consumption increases breast cancer risk in women, while heavy consumption dramatically increases risks for liver, head and neck and digestive cancers.

Mindfulness practices

Mindfulness practices help manage cancer-related anxiety, depression, and treatment side effects. Stress reduction through mindfulness may support immune function and improve treatment tolerance. These practices are valuable both for prevention and throughout the cancer journey.

Controlled Breathing

Controlled breathing techniques assist in managing anxiety during medical procedures, chemotherapy side effects, and cancer-related distress. These practices provide active coping strategies for dealing with the emotional challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Sleep Habits

Quality sleep habits support immune function, crucial for cancer prevention and treatment response. Poor sleep affects hormone regulation and immune surveillance systems that help prevent cancer development and progression.

Impact on the Workplace

Cancer significantly impacts workplace productivity and costs, as employees often experience extended absences for treatment, frequent medical appointments, and recovery periods. Treatment side effects, including fatigue, cognitive changes and physical limitations, can reduce work capacity for months or years. Many of these symptoms are reversed once treatment is completed.

Workplace accommodations that support employees include :

Flexible scheduling for appointments and recovery from side effects.
Modified duties to accommodate treatment limitations and ongoing impacts, private spaces for medical activities such as medication administration or rest during periods of fatigue.
Ergonomic adjustments for treatment-related physical changes, and gradual return-to-work programs following major treatments or surgeries.

Workplaces can support cancer awareness, prevention and early detection through education programs. These programs help workers be aware of lifestyle modifications that reduce cancer risk and how to perform self-assessments. Workers should be encouraged to participate in Australia’s population-based cancer screening programs for breast, cervical, bowel and lung cancer when eligible.

Cancer