February Is National Cancer Prevention Month

Young female nurse talking with senior woman in hospital

More than two-thirds of all new cancers are diagnosed among adults aged 60 years and older.

Cancer is usually caused by many different factors over time. This means that even later in life, there will be opportunities to prevent or delay the onset of new cancers. Medical research suggests that we can do more as a society to reduce cancer risk and preserve health as adults enter their 60s, 70s, and even beyond.

You may lower your risk of getting many common kinds of cancer by making healthy choices. Screening tests can find some cancers early, when treatment works best. Vaccines (shots) may help prevent several kinds of cancer.

Examples of behaviors that are generally healthy that may lower an individual’s cancer risk:

  • Getting enough exercise
  • Maintaining a
    healthy weight
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Seeking appropriate medical care:
    • Managing chronic diseases such as diabetes
    • Testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
    • Getting help to quit smoking
    • Screening for and managing obesity
    • Screening for certain types of cancer

Source: cdc.gov