February is National Cancer Prevention Month!

February is National Cancer Prevention Month. It’s a dedicated time to spread awareness and celebrate the strides medical science is making in preventing cancer.

1.7 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year, and 1 in every 3 people will have cancer during their lifetime.

Thanks to research, however, there are 18 million cancer survivors living with, through, and beyond it. National Cancer Prevention Month is a reminder to take all the necessary precautions to live a cancer-free life.

Ways to Prevent Cancer

There are lifestyle changes you can institute to limit your risk. These include

• Limiting UV exposure

• Stopping smoking or chewing tobacco – many cancers can be prevented by eliminating nicotine from your life

• Managing your weight – this may seem like a weird risk but obesity is associated with 13 different cancers including endometrial, breast and colorectal. Maintaining a healthy diet and routine physical activity is important to prevention.

• Get Vaccinated: There are several cancers that are associated with viruses or pathogens and vaccinating against these prevent you from these cancers.

• Limit your alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol use is linked to cancer of the breast (in women), liver, colon, rectum, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. Avoid binge drinking (5 or more drinks on an occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women) to reduce your risk of these cancers.

Many cancers can be treated if diagnosed early. Getting screened regularly is an important part of preventing death from cancer.

• Lung cancer screening is recommended for adults who smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, have a 20-pack-year or more smoking history, and are between 50 and 80 years old.

• Women between the ages of 40-75 are encouraged to get a mammogram every one or two years to detect early signs of breast cancer. 

• Adults between the ages of 45 to 75 are encouraged to get colorectal screening for colon cancer.

• Women ages 21 to 65 years are encouraged to get screened for cervical cancer via a Pap smear every 3-5 years.

Ways You Can Get Involved in National Cancer Prevention Month

• Donate Platelets: Platelets are critical in treating millions fighting cancer. Without a platelet transfusion, cancer patients may not be able to receive the treatments they need. Visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

• Attend Community Events: Participate or volunteer in local events to raise support or cancer awareness.

• Tell Your Story: As a survivor, your experience can inspire and encourage others facing similar challenges.

• Be an Advocate: Speak out for more research and keep giving support to those who have cancer.

• Donate: Consider giving financial gifts to institutions researching cancer and programs supporting patients and survivors.

• Support a Survivor: Call a cancer survivor and tell them you care and believe in them.

National Cancer Prevention Month is an important time to raise awareness about cancer and focus on what we can do to prevent cancer and detect it early. It is also important to celebrate the strides that we have made in preventing, detecting and treating cancer.