National Cancer Prevention Month
There is good reason to dedicate the whole month of February to cancer prevention. The federal government estimates that two million Americans were diagnosed with cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) during 2024. More than 600,000 victims were expected to die from their disease. Sadly, research has shown more than 40% of these cases – and nearly half the deaths – can be attributed to preventable causes. Among them are smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive exposure to the sun.
This means you can lower your risk of getting many common kinds of cancer by simply making healthy choices. Screening tests can identify some cancers at an early stage, which is when treatment has the best chance of success. Vaccines can help prevent several kinds of cancer.
Reducing Rates
In the U.S., many of the greatest reductions in cancer rates have been achieved through implementing public education and policy initiatives. For example, campaigns against cigarettes drove smoking rates among adults down by more than two-fold between 1965 and 2017. Still, three of 10 cancer deaths are caused by cigarette smoking, and lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
When it comes to maintaining health to prevent cancer, there are a number of steps you can take. Either don’t smoke or take steps to quit. Use adequate skin protection when out in the sun and avoid indoor tanning beds. Control your weight through diet and exercise. Limit alcohol use, since heavy drinking and binge drinking increase the risk of eight different types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon.
Talk with Your Doctor
Go get checked. Talk with your primary care provider about cancer screenings, or call Edwards Cancer Institute at 304.399.6500 if you need to find a doctor. Also, if you have a loved one or friend who is suffering from some form of cancer, consider organizing an event or fundraiser to help attack this dreaded disease.
Consider a Gift
Consider being a part of our annual fundraiser to combat cancer called Path to the Cure. You can also donate to our Good Samaritan Cancer Fund, which helps patients who are struggling to pay for their medication, transportation to appointments, hotel stays for long visits, and other costs.
