Cancer and the environment

The Canadian Cancer Society knows you’re concerned about the links between the environment and cancer. This section of our website provides detailed information about exposure to cancer-causing substances in the environment. We hope you will find this useful: to understand the links between cancer and the environment in providing information on what you can do to help reduce exposure in informing you of the work we are doing in this area Our position The Canadian Cancer Society believes that Canadians should not be exposed to known or probable cancer-causing substances at home, at work, or in their environment. Wherever possible, exposure to substances that are known, or believed, to cause cancer should be identified and eliminated by substituting safer alternatives. When elimination is not possible, exposure should be reduced to the lowest possible levels. The Society strongly supports a community's right to know what they are being exposed to so they can make an informed decision about their health. Some of the most important information needed to make this happen includes: an understanding of what substances increase cancer risks providing information to the public about ingredients in consumer products advocating for the use of safer alternatives where they exist Current scientific evidence is the cornerstone of our information and positions about cancer. However, we believe it is important in some circumstances not to wait for perfect scientific clarity to take action to protect Canadians. As a result, we also strongly support the precautionary principle that states, “when an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.” Our pledge to Canadians is to: Take action on your behalf to ensure public policies and government legislation are in place to help protect you from cancer-causing substances in the environment inform you about cancer-causing substances provide information about how you can help reduce your exposure to cancer-causing substances We believe eliminating or reducing exposure to cancer-causing substances in the environment will be most effective through a combination of individual action and healthy public policy (e.g., banning cosmetic use of pesticides).