What we’re doing to prevent 1 in 3 cancers 

Most cancers don’t happen by chance. In fact, one in three cancers can be prevented, and 90 per cent of preventable cases are linked to six modifiable risk factors: smoking, UV exposure, overweight and obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity and alcohol use. 

 At Cancer Council NSW, we turn evidence into action through practical programs that help people eat well, move more, protect their skin, quit smoking and screen regularly. Below are some of the ways we’re supporting communities across NSW to lower cancer risk, starting with everyday habits you can change today. 

Healthy Made Tasty Website 

Prevention starts with everyday choices, including what we cook, how we shop and how we move.  

Our Healthy Made Tasty website is a one-stop shop for healthy meal and snack inspiration and recipes.   

The website also has practical information on how you can reduce your cancer risk by eating well and moving more.  

Whether you’re trying to feed a family, save time, save money, eat healthier or just need some meal ideas, Healthy Made Tasty has something for everyone.

SunSmart 

Good habits start early, and schools and services are powerful partners in prevention.  

SunSmart is a free program that partners with primary schools, early childhood education and care (childcare, family day care and preschools) and out-of-school hours services across NSW to develop and implement a best-practice sun protection policy. 

SunSmart membership can help schools and services to: 

• reduce exposure to UV and skin cancer risk 

• meet sun protection regulatory and duty of care requirements 

• access current evidence-based information, resources, advice and support 

• influence good sun protection behaviours through education. 

Tackling Tobacco 

Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful ways to reduce cancer risk, and the right support makes it easier. 

Tackling Tobacco aims to end tobacco-related disparities in NSW by empowering organisations and individuals to address tobacco use through evidence-based smoking cessation strategies and support.   

The program supports organisations to make positive, lasting changes by:  

• updating their smoking policies 

• including smoking status in their data collection systems 

• offering quit smoking support to clients 

• facilitating clients’ access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).  

Since it began in 2006, the Tackling Tobacco program has supported over 260 organisations.  

Screening 

One of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of cancer is for people to get screened regularly and detect any changes in their body. 

Cancer Council NSW supports 4 national screening programs by delivering community-facing information and support to improve screening program awareness, understanding and participation. 

Breast screening 
Who: Women aged 50-74. Women in their 40s and over 75 are welcome, we recommend you speak with your doctor first. 
When: Every two years 
How: Clinics or mobile breast screening vans 

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program 
Who: Eligible people aged 50-74. Can opt in to the program from 45yo 
When: Every two years 
How: Free, simple home kit 

National Cervical Screening Program 
Who: Eligible women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 
When: Every five years 
How: Self collected, or clinician collected sample at a health clinic 

National Lung Cancer Screening Program 
Who: Eligible people aged 50-70 with a history of smoking 
When: Every two years 
How: Referral for a low dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan.

Other cancer prevention activities 

Beyond programs, we help shift systems and environments so healthy choices become easier for everyone. 

Engaging with communities 
Our Community teams collaborate with community organisations, healthcare providers, government agencies and local partners to co design and deliver prevention activities. Working together extends our reach and amplifies impact. 

Conducting research 
Research projects, such as Generation Vape, build the evidence we need to understand emerging risks and support people to manage their cancer risk. Strong evidence also strengthens the support we offer. 

Advocating for our people 
We advocate for policies that reduce population risk, including: 

• comprehensive tobacco control and extended smoke free policies 
• healthy nutrition guidelines, clear food labelling and restrictions on junk food marketing to children
• stronger UV protection measures to reduce skin cancer risk.