National Cancer Prevention Month: Steps You Can Take To Lower Your Risk
National Cancer Prevention Month, celebrated in February, raises awareness about everyday choices that can help reduce cancer risk and emphasizes the importance of early detection. While not all cancers can be prevented, research shows that many cases are linked to lifestyle factors we can influence.
At Watertown Regional Medical Center, we’re committed to helping our community stay informed, stay healthy, and stay proactive. We’d much rather share health tips and advocate screenings than resort to surgery, chemo, radiation, and other cancer treatments.
5 Healthy Habits That Lower Cancer Risk
Health experts agree that certain lifestyle choices can meaningfully reduce cancer risk. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), avoiding tobacco, eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and limiting alcohol use are key strategies for lowering cancer risk.
Maintain a Healthy Weight – Excess body weight is linked to several cancers, including breast, colorectal, kidney, and pancreatic cancers. Healthy weight management combines balanced nutrition with regular physical activity.
Eat a Nutritious, Plant‑Forward Diet – A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes supports overall health and may lower cancer risk. Limit red and processed meats, refined grains, and foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Quit Smoking – or Don’t Start – Tobacco use is one of the strongest preventable risk factors for cancer. Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure increase the risk of lung, throat, mouth, pancreas, bladder, and kidney cancers.
Limit Alcohol Use – Alcohol consumption raises the risk of several cancers, including breast, colon, liver, and esophageal cancers. The risk increases with the amount consumed.
Stay Physically Active – Regular exercise helps regulate hormones, maintain a healthy weight, and support immune function. The ACS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
The Importance of Early Detection
Screenings can detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective, or even prevent cancer by identifying precancerous changes.
Colonoscopies – Recommended starting at age 45 for most adults. Colonoscopies can detect and remove polyps from the colon and rectum before they become cancerous.
Mammograms – Women should begin regular mammograms based on age and personal risk factors. Early detection significantly improves outcomes for breast cancer.
Prostate Cancer Screenings – Men should discuss prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood testing with their provider starting around age 50, or earlier if they have risk factors such as family history or African American heritage.
Other Screenings – Depending on your age and risk, your provider may recommend:
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap test and HPV test)
- Lung cancer screening for current or former smokers
- Skin cancer checks
Regular screenings are a cornerstone of cancer prevention and early detection. Ask your primary care provider about screening frequency for each.
What to Do After an Abnormal Test or Screening
An abnormal result does not mean you have cancer. It simply means more information is needed. Here’s what typically happens next:
- Additional Testing – Your provider may order further imaging, lab tests, or a biopsy to clarify the findings.
- Specialist Referral – You may be referred to an oncologist, gastroenterologist, breast specialist, or urologist, depending on the type of screening.
- Monitoring – Some abnormalities are low‑risk and only require periodic follow‑up.
- Personalized Care Plan – If further evaluation confirms a concern, your care team will guide you through the next steps with compassion and clarity.
Your Health Is Worth Protecting
Cancer prevention isn’t about perfection, it’s about making small, consistent choices that support long‑term health. This National Cancer Prevention Month, take a moment to:
- Recommit to healthy habits
- Schedule your recommended screenings
- Talk with your provider about your personal risk
If you have questions about screenings or need help scheduling an appointment, start with a visit to an Watertown Regional Medical Center primary care provider.