New Year’s resolutions that could save your life

Sticking to New Year’s resolutions is hard work. Many of us (myself included) set resolutions so ambitious, we can lose sight of them early in the New Year. But, if there's anything the last two years of living through the pandemic have taught us, it’s that we must prioritise our health and wellbeing.

I’ve compiled a list of 5 New Year’s resolutions that are easy and could save your life.

1: Book in for a skin check! Australia and New Zealand has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world, with one in three Aussies developing skin cancer in their lifetime. If it’s been a while since your last check up or you have some spots you’re concerned about, make an appointment with your GP, local skin cancer clinic or dermatologist.

Prevention (slip, slop, slap, seek, slide) and early detection (skin check ups) can save lives. 

2: Attend your annual mammogram. Did you know that only 55% of eligible women in QLD participate in breast screening (mammograms)? This means there are a huge number of women missing out on the opportunity to have cancers found earlier which the American College of Radiologists report cut breast cancer deaths by nearly 40%.

Attending your annual mammogram could save your life by finding breast cancer early.

3: Make getting to know your breasts a monthly habit. Take the time to feel for new lumps, bumps or changes in your breasts and underarms as early detection is the best defence against breast cancer. Reserve one day a month where you check your breasts thoroughly in the mirror or while in the shower. This will help you become more breast aware so you can spot changes quickly.

Unfortunately, being breast aware is not something all women are taught growing up. But it is so important and it’s never too late to learn. When you know your boobs, you can take an active role in looking after your health and preventing and detecting breast cancer and other illnesses. Find out how to do a breast check in the video below.

4: Do exercise you love! Exercise can sometimes feel like a chore even though we all know the benefits it brings to our lives. But sometimes the benefits aren’t enough to muster the energy or find the time to do it consistently.

In 2022, instead of making the same commitment to get yourself to the gym every morning before work, find a type or combination of exercise you love and throw yourself into it! Think outside the box like rock climbing, Tai Chi, roller-skating, swimming, dancing or team sports.

Find something you love and do it frequently!

5: Challenge yourself to stay sober this year. Okay okay, I hear you, staying completely sober might fall into the “too ambitious” category but there are good reasons to stop drinking and they relate to preventing breast cancer in your life.

When people think of alcohol and cancer, they typically think of liver cancer or stomach cancer. Few people, particularly young women, think of alcohol as a breast cancer risk factor, which unfortunately it is. As a breast cancer surgeon, this is a message I am passionate about getting out there. Maybe for you, this year’s resolution isn’t going completely dry but just taking the time to revaluate your relationship with alcohol. Give it a try and you may feel pleasantly surprised at how good you look and feel, not to mention feeling better rested and cashed up.

I hope that you will join me in making these 5 simple New Year’s resolutions for 2022. Remember, we are not powerless and can all play an active role in preventing cancer in our own lives. Have a great 2022!