Cancer prevention starts with the choices you make every day

February is National Cancer Prevention Month. This month is a great time to learn about the many ways to prevent or lower your risk for developing cancer.

Cancer prevention starts with the choices you make every day. While not all risks are within our control, every step you take can help create a healthier future.

Avoid Tobacco

Smoking is one of the most preventable causes of cancer.

Smoking and consuming tobacco products is linked to 20 different cancers.

Nearly 20% of all cancer cases and 30% of cancer-related deaths are caused by smoking cigarettes. This includes 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths.

Learn more about quitting tobacco.

Eat Healthy and Stay Active

About 19% of cancer cases are caused by a combination of excess body weight, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity.

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and legumes. Limit refined sugar, red meat, and processed meat.

Limit alcohol consumption as it’s linked to multiple cancers. This includes breast, kidney, colon, lung, and liver cancers.

Stay physically active. Physical activity is protective against cancer. Experts recommend engaging in at least 30 minutes of some activity per day. This can include any form of exercise, such as walking, cycling, running, yoga, swimming, and strength training.

Learn more about eating healthy and staying active.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure, through the sun and tanning beds, is the main cause of skin cancer. It’s one of the most common cancers in the United States.

Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Avoid using tanning beds.

Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.

Stay in the shade when possible.

Learn more about preventing skin cancer.

Learn more about VDH’s collaboration with the Cancer Action Coalition in Virginia and the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society to provide Sun Safety Awareness information to schools, day camps, and other partners in Virginia.

Stay Up to Date on Screenings

Screening means checking your body for cancer before you have symptoms. Getting screening tests regularly may find certain cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best. If and when people should get screened are determined by sex, age, and risk factors. These screenings include:

Breast cancer

Cervical cancer

Colorectal (colon) cancer

Lung cancer

See when you’re recommended to get these screenings.

Some women in Virginia may be eligible for free breast and cervical cancer screening.

Get Vaccinated

HPV Vaccine

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents six different types of cancers. It’s best to be vaccinated before you are exposed to HPV.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for routine vaccination at age 11 or 12 years of age, well before people are exposed to HPV. HPV vaccination can also start as early as 9 years of age.

People aged 26 years and younger who are not fully vaccinated can get the HPV vaccine.

Some adults age 27 and older may choose to get vaccinated, in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Talk to a healthcare provider about this vaccine.

Learn more about the HPV Vaccine.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

The hepatitis B vaccine is considered the world’s first anti-cancer vaccine.

Worldwide, chronic hepatitis (hepatitis B and hepatitis C) causes at least 80% of all liver cancers.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis B infection and is recommended for:

All infants

All children and adolescents younger than 19 who have not been vaccinated

Adults 19-59 who have not been vaccinated

Adults 60 and older with risk factors for hepatitis B or who wish to be vaccinated

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend all infants get a birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.

The Virginia Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program works with local health departments, hospitals, and healthcare providers to prevent the spread of hepatitis B from mother to baby.