They can promote ways of tackling unhealthy lifestyles and risk factors which lead to cancer. Counselling people when they visit their pharmacies for medicines or for advice on health matters is a good opportunity for intervention. Maintaining a healthy diet plays an important role in the promotion of good health, so does living in a clean environment. We can individually try to ensure we have a healthy diet. And by working towards the development of smoke-free areas in our homes, workplaces and public areas we can improve the quality of the air we breathe.
Most people have a fear of cancer.
Many of us refuse even to talk about the possibility that we may fall victim to it. But if posters were displayed in pharmacies showing statistics relating to cancer deaths together with details of the success rates experienced where treatment has been instigated in the early stages of the disease, then this could encourage people to take action. This could help avoid the risks of developing the disease in the first place, as well as being more aware of the need to seek medical help before it is too late. Important areas for pharmacy intervention are discussed below. Smoking Smoking cessation is the first priority in the fight against cancer.