AS the summer shines brightly, regular habits can drop off, and Cancer Council Victoria is reminding south-west residents to take simple, yet effective steps to cut down their cancer risk while enjoying this summer’s festivities.

Data released by the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) at Cancer Council Victoria has unveiled that cancer accounts for nearly one in three deaths in Victoria, with a significant portion of cases being preventable.

This summer, follow these steps to embrace a healthier lifestyle and safeguard your well-being:

Stay SunSmart – before you head outside, check the UV index and when it hits 3 cover up using all five forms of sun protection including wearing a hat, protective clothing, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen and seeking shade.

Rethink your drink – try and limit your intake of alcohol and sugary drinks this summer and opt for water as your drink of choice.

Get active – some physical activity is better than none, and more is better.

Eat healthy – The LiveLighter website is packed with free meal plans, nutritious recipes and information to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle on any budget. Visit livelighter.org.au

Quit smoking and vaping – Quitline counsellors are ready to help you, at any stage of your quitting journey over the phone and online, at a time that suits you. Visit quit.org.au

Head of prevention at Cancer Council Victoria and adjunct associate professor, Craig Sinclair, said many of the most diagnosed cancers, such as skin cancer, are highly preventable.

“As people enjoy their summer breaks, now is an opportune time to form new habits or reinforce existing ones from the past year to cut down the risk of cancer for you or loved ones,” he said.

“Let this summer and festive season be one of good health, where preventive measures become second nature to everyone in Victoria so we can reduce the risk of cancer in the future.”

For further information and resources on cancer prevention, visit cancervic.org.au