CANCER OBSERVANCE CALENDAR
February
Cancer Prevention Month
There’s no sure way to prevent cancer, but you can help reduce your risk by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active, and not smoking. It’s also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early.
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You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. It’s also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/screening-recommendations-by-age.html
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types. More than 5 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States. Although skin cancer risk factors are present every day, the dangers are greater during the long days of summer when you may spend more time in the sun. This infographic focuses on easy-to-follow tips to help you be sun sensible and reduce your risk of skin cancer. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/be-safe-in-sun/skin-cancer-prevention-infographic.html
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most of this exposure comes from the sun, but some can come from man-made sources, such as indoor tanning beds and sun lamps. People who get a lot of exposure to UV rays are at greater risk for skin cancer. Learn how to protect you & your family from the sun. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/cancer-control/en/booklets-flyers/protect-from-the-sun.pdf
Regular screening increases the chances of detecting certain cancers early, before cancer has a chance to spread. Learn what screening tests the American Cancer Society recommends, when you should have them, and how they are covered under some types of insurance. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/screening-recommendations-by-age.html
Medicare pays for certain preventive health care services and some of the screening tests used to help find cancer. Talk to your health care provider about your cancer risk and what cancer screening tests you might need. (See The American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer for more information.)
It’s never too late to quit using tobacco. The sooner you quit, the more you can reduce your chances of getting cancer and other diseases. Check out the benefits of quitting tobacco use here: https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/benefits-of-quitting-smoking-over-time.html
The US Surgeon General has said, “Smoking cessation [stopping smoking] represents the single most important step that people who smoke can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives.” Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. To learn about the available tools, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. You can also find more tips and tools here: https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/guide-quitting-smoking.html
MORE RESOURCES FROM YOUR AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Cancer Facts: What You Should Know About Prevention and Screening