February is Cancer Prevention Month

According to the World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control, between 30-50 percent of all cancers diagnosed and nearly half of all deaths from cancer in the United States can be attributed to preventable causes.

Making lifestyle changes and adopting habits and routines that promote health can help reduce your risk of cancer.

  • If you smoke, try to quit. Click here for resources to help you take the first step.

  • Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just 10% of body weight and incorporating a variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean proteins into your everyday diet can reduce your risk of developing cancer and other chronic health conditions.

  • Exercise regularly. Aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate activity on most days of the week.

  • Protect your skin from the sun. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 year-round and limiting sun exposure, especially mid-day when rays are strongest.

  • According to the CDC, the HPV or human papillomavirus causes 90% of cervical cancers. Talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated against HPV or other viruses that cause certain cancers to dramatically reduce your risk.

  • Limit alcohol consumption. Heavy alcohol use is associated with increased risk of certain forms of cancer.

  • Get screened. The CDC recommends regular colorectal cancer screening for all adults beginning at age 45*, or earlier if recommended by your healthcare provider. Women should be screened for breast and cervical cancer as recommended by their health provider. Talk with your doctor about recommended cancer screenings.

  • Know your family history. A prevalence of some forms of cancer in your family may indicate an elevated risk for certain types of cancer. Click here to learn more. Talk with your doctor about recommended screening intervals.

This month, make a commitment to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes that could contribute to healthier life!

* If you are aged 45 years or older and have no healthcare coverage, are underinsured, or face high co-pays or deductibles with your health insurance plan, Healthy Acadia’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Support Fund (CCSSF) can help. Click here for more information.

Talk with your doctor for more information about cancer prevention and screening, or contact Angela Fochesato, Cancer Patient Navigator, at angela@healthyacadia.org or (207) 263-6230.

POSTTracey CarlsonCE, SPR, HPM