When Is National Cancer Prevention Month?
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of cancer prevention and promoting healthier lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of this disease. Observed every February, this initiative brings together individuals, organizations, and communities to emphasize the role of prevention in reducing cancer incidence and improving overall health. Understanding the significance of this month and implementing ways to prevent cancer can help save lives and enhance well-being.
Why February Is National Cancer Prevention Month
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide — with nearly 10 million cancer-related deaths each year — but many cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes and early detection. National Cancer Prevention Month highlights actionable steps that individuals can take to lower their cancer risk. These efforts focus on education, advocacy, and the promotion of healthy habits. From quitting smoking to maintaining a balanced diet, prevention takes many forms and plays a crucial role in combating this disease.
The Importance of Quitting Smoking and Vaping for Cancer Prevention
One of the most effective ways to prevent cancer is by quitting smoking and vaping. Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking causes nearly 30% of all cancer deaths in the United States. This includes lung cancer, which is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer type.
Quitting smoking and vaping reduces the risk of numerous cancers, including:
- Lung cancer
- Mouth and throat cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
The Immediate and Long-Term Benefits of Tobacco Cessation
The benefits of quitting smoking and vaping begin almost immediately. Within weeks, lung function improves, and the risk of cancer starts to decrease. Over time, the likelihood of developing smoking-related cancers and other diseases diminishes significantly. For example, research shows that 10 years after quitting smoking, the risk of dying from lung cancer drops by half compared to someone who continues smoking.
Tobacco Use and Cancer Risk: The Statistics
The numbers are sobering. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10 million people die each year due to tobacco use, and about 1.2 million of these deaths are due to exposure to secondhand smoke. In the U.S. alone, smoking accounts for nearly 480,000 deaths annually, including those caused by secondhand smoke.
Why Tobacco Cessation Is Critical
The prevention of cancer begins with tackling one of its most significant contributors: tobacco use. Quitting smoking and vaping not only reduces cancer risk but also improves overall health outcomes. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, which can further complicate their health.
Read more about the connection between tobacco use, hypertension, and prediabetes and why quitting is vital for long-term health.
Practical Ways to Prevent Cancer During National Cancer Prevention Month
During National Cancer Prevention Month, individuals can take proactive steps to lower their cancer risk. These include:
1. Quit Smoking and Vaping
As mentioned, quitting smoking and vaping are some of the most impactful actions you can take. Seek support from healthcare professionals like MyAlly Health, use nicotine replacement therapy, or join a cessation program to increase your chances of success.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can reduce cancer risk. Limit the intake of processed foods, red meat, and sugary beverages.
3. Exercise Regularly
Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week can help maintain a healthy weight, which is a key factor in cancer prevention.
4. Protect Your Skin
Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds to lower your risk of skin cancer.
5. Get Regular Screenings
Early detection can save lives. Schedule regular screenings for cancers such as breast, colorectal, and cervical based on your age and risk factors.
6. Avoid Alcohol or Drink in Moderation
Limiting alcohol consumption reduces the risk of cancers such as liver, breast, and throat cancers.
Why National Cancer Prevention Month Matters
Prevention is more effective — and less costly — than treatment. By addressing risk factors such as smoking, vaping, obesity, and inactivity, millions of lives can be saved annually. This month also serves as a reminder to advocate for public health policies that reduce cancer risks, such as anti-smoking campaigns, increased access to screenings, and education on healthy living.
National Cancer Prevention Month empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Small changes, such as quitting smoking or incorporating more physical activity, can have a profound impact on reducing cancer risk. By raising awareness and promoting healthier choices, February becomes a month of action, hope, and progress toward a cancer-free future.
At MyAlly Health, we understand the importance of your overall health and how using tobacco can negatively affect your well-being, including your sexual health. That’s why we are pleased to announce that we now offer comprehensive tobacco cessation services. This includes free counseling sessions to help you quit smoking, as well as free NRT and free medications. Our goal is to support you every step of the way in your journey toward a tobacco-free life.
We also offer STI testing and treatment and annual examinations, such as physicals, wellness checks, and mental health screenings, to promote your overall health. You can also receive Pap smears to test for cervical cancer and Gardasil vaccinations to protect you from HPV infections.
Additionally, we offer several vaccinations at our clinic, including influenza, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal disease, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment to get vaccinated, reach out to us today!
MyAlly Health provides confidential reproductive health services to women and men in the Grand Forks, North Dakota, area, regardless of income or age. This includes offering preventive care, such as STI testing, breast examinations, and pelvic examinations, and determining the best birth control for you. The clinical services we provide are all performed by nurse practitioners and resident physicians.
In order to empower and engage individuals in their well-being and reproductive health, MyAlly Health offers education, counseling, advocacy, and healthcare services. Find out more about what we do, help make a difference by donating to our cause, or schedule an appointment with us today.