Empowering Communities to Take Action for a Healthier Tomorrow
February is National Cancer Prevention Month which promotes behaviors and lifestyle changes that can prevent you from developing cancer.
February 4th is observed throughout the world as World Cancer Day. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and can affect every person. No matter if it is you, a loved one, or someone you pass by on the street. Cancer sees no boundaries and affects everyone no matter the race, gender, and age.
The recommended tips for avoiding developing cancer can range anywhere from avoiding eating red meat to increasing your physical activity on a daily basis. Here are some changes you could make to prevent cancer:
- Avoid tobacco and nicotine products. Smoking and vaping are one of the leading causes of various types of cancer-like lung, mouth, throat, and voice box cancer. By avoiding smoking, you can avoid the added risks of developing these kinds of cancer.
- Eating healthy and staying physically fit. Having healthy habits, such as eating healthy and being physically active, can help prevent all kinds of cancer. As well as drinking alcohol in moderation to prevent liver, kidney, lung, and breast cancer. If you drink excessively, it increases the risk of cancer.
- Visit your healthcare professionals often. By visiting your healthcare providers for cancer screenings, you can raise the chances of finding possible cancer early. Also, frequently do self-exams to prevent late findings of cancer.
Experts believe that one-third of cancer deaths could have been prevented with certain lifestyle changes. Cancer education and awareness can be useful for yourself and others. So, during February make sure to spread awareness to others and keep yourself educated on the topic. Cancer ranges from over 100 plus diseases and in February we can remember and honor the lives lost to them.
Dr. Dalal Akoury, MD. “National Cancer Prevention Month: Get Support Today.” Consumer Health Digest, Consumer Health Digest , 12 Mar. 2025, www.consumerhealthdigest.com/health-awareness/national-cancer-prevention-month.html.
Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic Staff. “7 Healthy Habits That Can Lower Your Risk of Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 23 Nov. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816.
“Cancer Prevention Month & World Cancer Day Awareness Campaign – Cancer Control Tap.” Cancer Control TAP – George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center’s Cancer Control Technical Assistance Portal (TAP), Cancer Control TAP – George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center’s Cancer Control Technical Assistance Portal (TAP), 7 Nov. 2025, cancercontroltap.org/news/cancer-prevention-month-world-cancer-day-awareness-campaign/.
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submitted: McGregor Intern Lydia Emerie
