One in two men will be diagnosed with cancer by the time they turn 85.

More than 62,500 Australian men are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year.

While cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Australian men, around one third of all cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. 

Excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, the most common cancers facing men in Australia are prostate, bowel, melanoma and lung cancer.

Prostate cancer is more common in men than breast cancer is in women.

Eight ways you can life a cancer smart lifestyle and reduce your risk:

• Don’t smoke
• Be SunSmart – slip on sun protective clothing, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek out shade, and slide on some sunnies
• Move your body – be physically active every day
• Stay in shape – aim for a healthy body weight
• Eat for Health – eat a variety of foods, choose plenty of fruit & vegetables
• Avoid or limit alcohol – try alcohol-free days and non-alcoholic drinks
• Ask about screening – detecting cancer early could save your life

For further information about steps to reduce your cancer risk call Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or visit our website at www.cancerqld.org.au

Pit Stop Health Information

Pit Stop is an initiative to raise awareness of men’s health issues and reduce the incidence of preventable illness among men. As men regularly take an interest in their cars, and the ongoing maintenance of them, the idea behind Pit Stop is to attach this concept of regular mechanical tune-ups to their own health. Pit Stop is run as a series of stations, each involving a quick, simple health check. The environment of the Pit Stop stations is non-medical, and therefore provides a comfortable and fun setting that encourages participants to overcome any apprehension they may have about going to a doctor or presenting with a specific problem. The Pit Stop stations allow men to learn about and discuss a range of conditions, including testicular cancer, bowel cancer and skin cancer, as well as teaching them how to minimise the health risks associated with high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, alcohol consumption and smoking.

 A Pit Stop station will be set up at the finish line to ensure everyone has their chance to get involved and change their lifestyles for the better.