National Cancer Prevention Month is another cancer awareness month devoted to raising awareness about cancer and possible ways to prevent it.
The goal is to decrease the number of deaths from cancer and provide education about lifestyle choices people can make to help reduce their chances of developing cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends the following considerations for lowering your personal cancer risk:
- Limit consumption of red meat and avoid processed meat
- Increase physical activity
- Get regular medical care
- Avoid tobacco products
Approximately half a million people die from cancer every year in the United States alone. Experts believe about one-third of these deaths could be prevented by making lifestyle changes and following cancer screening recommendations.
What can you do during National Cancer Prevention Month?
There are many ways you can take part in raising cancer awareness and educating others, some of which may include:
- Talking with your family and friends about cancer risks and ways they can reduce their risk
- Posting cancer related educational materials on social media sites
- Taking part in or organizing a fundraising event in your community to support cancer patients in your area and to promote National Cancer Prevention month
- Write an article about cancer prevention and share via social media or submit for publication in your local newspaper
Making healthy choices such as eating natural foods, increasing your level of physical activity and making other wise lifestyle changes is a great place to start. If your risk of developing cancer is higher due to a strong family history of cancer, you should make sure you are receiving regular screening. Some of the cancers that have screening tools in place are breast cancer, melanoma (skin cancer), prostate cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, to name a few. Talk to your healthcare provider about other important screening tests that may be available to you.