Living in an area where the risk of cancer is above the Australian average does not mean you need to move. Cancer is not contagious. Even on a global scale, there are very few examples when high rates of cancer have been caused by some external factor specific to a geographical area.
It is much more likely that the higher risk of cancer in a specific geographical area reflects the general health and lifestyles of people living in that area. This does not necessarily reflect on your own individual risk. To ensure your own cancer risk is reduced, eat healthily (fruit and vegetables), stay active, maintain a healthy body weight, reduce alcohol intake, quit smoking, stay SunSmart and take part in all eligible cancer screening programs.
