February is National Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer is the world's leading cause of death, with breast and lung being the most common types of cancer, according to the WHO. In the Philippines, it is the third leading cause of death nationwide, with lung cancer ranking number one in mortality. With this, National Cancer Awareness Month is held annually every February which aims to raise awareness about cancer and spread the importance of early detection, which is paramount to its prevention. 

As with other diseases, early detection is important but cancer cases could be prevented and the number of cancer deaths could be reduced significantly by choosing a cancer-smart lifestyle. Here are some lifestyle changes we can make to help reduce the risk of cancer:

• Quit Smoking

Not smoking is the best thing you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. Tobacco products have many chemicals that damage DNA and cause cancer. If you smoke, the best thing you can do is quit. Take note that no forms are safe including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco/snuff, hookas/waterpipes, and even secondhand smoke. If you need help quitting tobacco, ask your doctor about products and strategies available to support you.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight and Active Lifestyle

Having healthy food and drink can reduce your risk of cancer. Aim to have plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain foods high in fiber and healthy proteins. Cut down on processed and red meat, alcohol and high calorie foods and drinks. In addition to this, adding at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week to your routine can reduce stress, increase energy, boost your immune system, control your weight and reduce your risk of cancer.

• Wear Sunscreen

Minimize sun exposture and always use sunscreen. Being safe in the sun reduces the risk of skin cancer. Too much UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun or sunbeds damages our skin cells. When the sun is strong, take extra care to protect your skin.

• Cut Back on Alcohol

Cutting back on alcohol reduces your risk of seven types of cancer. It doesn't matter what type it is – all alcohol can cause damage. Whatever your drinking habits, drinking less alcohol will improve your health.

• Get Immunized

Certain viruses can cause cancer but are vaccines that have been proven to be effective to reduce your risk. The HPV (human papillomavirus) helps protect against HPV infection, reducing the risk of some types of cancer including cervical, throat, tongue, anal, and other genital cancers. The Hepatitis B vaccine decreases the risk for liver cancer.

• Get Screened

Regular screenings help detect cancers early and maximize your chance for successful treatment.

• Know Your Family History

5-10% of all cancers are inherited. Understanding your family history can help guide your discussion with your physician of when you need to start cancer screening and whether to consider genetic counseling.

Challenge yourself to do at least one of these TAKE ACTION steps each month, and then add another the next month, and then another and so forth until you are doing them all!