Cancer Control Month: 3 Ways to Reduce Your Risk

In honor of Cancer Control Month, we are cracking the vault and offering a sneak peek at exclusive member content. The handout featured below comes straight from the April 2015 edition of Communicating Food for Health, the newsletter for nutrition and health educators. If you like what you see, check out the membership or sign up today!It’s Cancer Control Month, and it’s time to shed some light on cancer prevention.The National Cancer Institute has revealed that “Some risk factors can be controlled. Choosing the right health behaviors and preventing exposure to certain environmental risk factors can help prevent the development of cancer.”In other words, it’s possible to take steps that can reduce your risk of cancer. Let’s look at some specific strategies…Strategy #1 to Reduce Your Cancer Risk: Stick to a Healthy WeightAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Research has shown that being overweight or obese substantially raises a person's risk of getting endometrial (uterine), breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.” The American Cancer Society backs ups this assertion, adding “In the United States, overweight and obesity contribute to 14%-20% of all cancer deaths.”So what does this mean for you? Well, if you’re overweight or obese, it’s time to talk with your doctor or another health professional about strategies for losing weight. Start slowly and make changes that will be sustainable over time. Generally this means eating a healthful diet and getting regular exercise. Eating nutritious foods and staying active can further reduce your cancer risk.Strategy #2 to Reduce Your Cancer Risk: Save Your SkinDid you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States? It’s true — just ask the CDC.Since sun exposure is the most common cause of skin cancer, the best thing you can do to reduce your risk is to be smart when you go outside. It’s great to get some vitamin D, but make sure to avoid excess exposure by wearing sunscreen or sun-protective clothing. And skip the tanning bed!Strategy #3 to Reduce Your Cancer Risk: Avoid TobaccoThe National Cancer Institute maintains “Smoking causes about 30 percent of all U.S. deaths from cancer. Avoiding tobacco use is the single most important step Americans can take to reduce the cancer burden in this country.”The CDC has also revealed that “Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, and cigarette smoking causes almost all cases.” So really, its time to steer clear of tobacco use, even secondhand smoke.Use these strategies to protect your health today!This post wouldn't be complete without a free handout! Here's a PDF of the information you just saw -- download it today. We are here when you want to look your very best right now. Check out these other cancer prevention materials from the Nutrition Education Store!