02/27/2026
A new joint report from BC Cancer and BC Centre for Disease Control looks at what's driving cancer risk in BC and where prevention efforts can have the greatest impact.
Aligned with BC's 10-Year Cancer Action Plan, the Cancer Prevention Indicator Report takes a comprehensive approach, exploring common cancer risk factors, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commercial to***co and alcohol use, through a health equity lens.
“Cancer prevention isn't just about individuals making healthier choices," says Dr. Jia Hu, public health physician and medical lead of the prevention and health promotion team at BCCDC. “It's about creating environments and policies where those choices are supported."
Commercial to***co use remains higher in Northern and Interior regions, and among people with lower incomes, less education and mental health and/or substance use challenges. To***co use continues to be the leading risk factor for lung cancer in BC.
Fruit and vegetable consumption continues to decline. In 2021, only 21% of adults and 22% of youth (12-17 years) met the recommended minimum of five servings per day.
Nearly 19% of BC households experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023, with disproportionate impacts among equity-deserving groups, particularly Black and Indigenous people, lower income households, families with children, female lone-parent families, and new immigrants.
Nearly 50% of British Columbians exceed the low-risk drinking level of two standard drinks per week, with per capita alcohol consumption highest in the Interior and Northern regions.
Occupational exposures to carcinogens are most common in construction, transportation and warehousing, and manufacturing, where exposure to solar UV radiation, crystalline silica, engine exhausts and other carcinogens is common.
According to Dr. Hu, data-driven insights like these can help guide where action is most needed.
“This kind of information helps us focus prevention efforts where they can have the biggest impact," he says. “It shows which populations and regions might face higher risks, and where additional support is needed."
The report points to a range of opportunities to reduce cancer risk, from improving access to affordable, healthy food and designing communities that support physical activity, to strengthening alcohol policies and occupational exposure limits.
Reducing cancer risk requires action across many sectors. As the report notes, policymakers, health care providers, community leaders, and organizations all play an important role.
“As new data becomes available, future editions of this report will provide an even clearer picture of trends," says Fabio Feldman, executive director, Prevention, Screening, and Hereditary Cancer Program.
“Cancer prevention is a long-term investment," adds Feldman. “But the payoff is worth it."
Read the full report:
https://www.bccancer.bc.ca/prevention/about/indicator-report
