It's February National Cancer Prevention Monthwhen we raise awareness about the steps we can all take to reduce the risk of cancer.
National estimates suggest that one in two men and one in three develop cancer at some point in their lives clearly make this a topic that should not be underestimated.
Dr. Allen Coffman emphasized the importance of early awareness and behavior when it comes to cancer prevention.
“The more you start to take seriously preventing cancer in your life, the better,” Coffman said.
He said one of the first steps is to consider the history of your family.
If you have a family history of a particular cancer, such as colon, breast, neck, or skin cancer, it is important to share that information with your primary care provider.
This knowledge can guide important screening and prevention strategies.
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, and exercise regularly are all essential steps to reducing your risk of cancer.
Dr. Coffman said fruits and vegetables, especially those that benefit your colon, are essential to your diet.
He said that just 20 minutes of exercise, several times a week, can make a big difference.
“The way this works is that it increases the muscle content of your body, which increases your metabolism. It reduces the amount you accumulate excess energy over time and makes them more difficult to use. Everything will increase and help reduce the risk of cancer,” Coffman said.
In addition to dieting and exercise, it is important to avoid tobacco products and limit your exposure to the sun.
Dr. Coffman explained that skin cancer can begin when you are in the sun for the first time.
Therefore, it is important to be cautious about exposure to the sun, especially in early childhood.
Early screening is essential if you have a family history of skin cancer.
For many types of cancer, early detection can be a game-changer.
“Testicular cancer, skin cancer, early arrest, colon cancer, breast cancer, etc. are fairly easy to treat and do not require complicated medication, treatment or surgery,” Dr. Coffman said.
Dr. Coffman also pointed to the HPV vaccine as an important advance in cancer prevention.
Ultimately, Dr. Coffman believes that cancer prevention can be part of everyday conversations can help reduce the impact of the disease.
“When there's a way to handle it, we're very effective at screening it and finding it early,” Coffman said.
National Cancer Prevention Month is the perfect time to look back at what actions you can take today to reduce your risk of cancer tomorrow.
All the steps you have in trouble, whether you improve your diet, increase your physical activity, or simply have a conversation with your healthcare provider about your family's cancer history.
