February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Cancer is a complex disease that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. While you cannot control all of these risk factors, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 30%-50% of all cancer cases are preventable.

Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of cancer:

• Get regular screenings: Early detection is important to cancer prevention. Talk to your doctor about the screening tests that are appropriate for you based on your age, sex, and family history of cancer.
• Get vaccinated: Vaccination is an effective way to prevent certain types of cancer. For instance, vaccines for viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) can help prevent infection and decrease the likelihood of developing cancer.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and kidney cancer. To maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and get regular physical activity.
• Protect your skin: Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. Protect your skin from the sun by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
• Get enough sleep: Research studies have demonstrated that lack of sleep or poor sleep quality over a prolonged period can increase the risk of developing cancer.
• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, most days of the week.
• Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet is essential to cancer prevention. Choose a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and low in processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars.
• Avoid tobacco: Smoking and using other tobacco products is a leading cause of several types of cancer, including lung, bladder, and pancreatic cancer. If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Consuming alcohol can elevate the risk of developing certain forms of cancer, and this risk is present even with moderate alcohol intake. It is advisable to limit your alcohol consumption to minimize this risk.
• Avoid toxins at work and home: To reduce the risk of developing cancer, it is advisable to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and other substances. Examples of these include asbestos, benzene, radon, and polluted drinking water. It is also important to exercise caution when handling cleaning products, paints, solvents, and pesticides.
• Practice safer sex: Employing safer sexual practices like using condoms and discussing the sexual history of each potential partner can help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection can result in cervical cancer, making it essential to practice safer sex.

By taking these steps to prevent cancer, you can help reduce the burden of this disease and improve your overall health and well-being. So, let's use National Cancer Prevention Month as a reminder to prioritize our health and take action to reduce our risk of cancer.

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One of the most important aspects of preventive care is getting the right tests, vaccinations, and procedures at the right time. That's why we offer a preventive care tool that can help you find out what preventive measures are recommended for you based on your age, gender, medical history, and other factors. Try it now for better health.