Health Department & First Choice Healthcare note February-National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month.

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare note that February is National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month.

Research has shown that more than 40 percent of all cancers diagnosed and nearly half of all deaths from cancer in the United States can be attributed to preventable causes – things like smoking, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and excessive exposure to the sun.

As a result, steps such as quitting smoking (or never starting in the first place), maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, protecting your skin from the sun, and getting vaccinated against the pathogens that cause certain cancers can dramatically reduce your risk of certain cancers.

While there is no certain way to prevent cancer, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood. You can TAKE ACTION to lower those risks through healthy lifestyle choices, getting recommended cancer screenings and vaccinating against certain viruses.

Factors that are known to increase the risk of cancer:

  • Cigarette smoking and tobacco use

  • Infections

  • Radiation

  • Immunosuppressive medicines

Factors that may affect the risk of cancer:

  • Diet

  • Alcohol

  • Physical activity

  • Obesity

  • Environmental risk factors

6 TAKE ACTION Tips for Reducing your Risk

  1. Maintain a Healthy Weight and Active Lifestyle

  2. Avoid smoking and tobacco products

  3. Sun protection

  4. Get Immunized

  5. Get Screened

  6. Know your family history

     First Choice Healthcare Clinics may be able to help you with clinic and lab services, mental health clinic services and therapies, immunizations, women exams, and health education and counseling.  These services are available at our clinic locations in Kewanee and Colona, many for a nominal fee. For more information call the First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee at (309) 852-5272 or Colona at (309) 792-4011.