February Monthly Health Theme - National Cancer Prevention Month
February is National Cancer Prevention Month – a time to reflect on the steps you can take to reduce your risk of cancer and put them into action. According to the American Cancer Society, 40% of cancer cases in the United States are preventable and 44% of cancer deaths are attributed to behaviors that you can change. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States with the top 10 cancers being:
1. Breast
2. Prostate
3. Lung and bronchus
4. Colorectal
5. Melanoma of the skin
6. Bladder
7. Kidney (renal cell and pelvis)
8. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
9. Endometrial
10. Pancreatic
Lung and bronchus, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers are responsible for nearly 50% of all cancer deaths in 2025:
- Lung and bronchus: 124,730 (20%)
- Colon and rectum: 52,900 (9%)
- Pancreas: 51,980 (8%)
- Breast: 42,680 (7%)
- Other: 345,830 (56%)
Cancer Stat Facts
There are many changes you can make to help prevent cancer:
- Don’t smoke and try to avoid secondhand smoke when possible - Chemicals inside cigarettes are known carcinogens and is linked to 20% of all cancers
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Stay active and maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Minimize sun exposure and protect your skin from the sun - Use sunscreen whenever you go outdoors, regardless of weather
- Schedule routine screenings to detect cancers early - Screenings can include: mammogram, colonoscopy, PAP test, HPV test
- Vaccinations can help prevent certain cancers - HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer and Hepatitis B vaccine can help prevent liver cancer
For more information about cancer prevention, visit: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention