February is National Cancer Prevention Month

How can you prevent cancer?

1. Stop smoking and using smokeless tobacco. Smoking damages nearly every organ in your body. It is linked to at least 15 different cancers. If you need help to stop smoking or help a loved one or friend to stop smoking, visit your healthcare professional, or visit the American Cancer Society's Web site and its Guide to Quitting Smoking. Kick the habit!
2. Practice sun safety. Apply sunscreen frequently. Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Find shade to protect yourself from the sun. The sun's rays damage layers of skin and can eventually cause skin cancer. Sun safe habits should begin in childhood and last a lifetime.
3. Consider the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine to protect against cervical cancer. Talk with your healthcare professional about this vaccine for girls when they reach 11-12 years of age. Women, make your appointment for your Pap smear!
4. Aim for early detection of breast cancer. Do a monthly self-exam at the same time of every month. Get a clinical breast exam by your healthcare professional annually. Get yearly mammograms starting at the age of 40.
5. Take action to prevent colorectal cancer. Add fruits and vegetables to your daily diet (the American Cancer Society offers ideas for smart cooking along with recipies and tips for eating right). Talk to your healthcare professional about stool occult blood testing and colonoscopies which can provide early detection.
6. Be proactive where prostate cancer is concerned. Men over the age of 50 should have a clinical prostate exam and a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test every year to ensure any problems are found and treated early.
7. Visit your local Health Fairs. You'll have fun, and you'll learn more about maintaining and protecting your health. Many Fairs also offer very cost-effective diagnostic tests and tools.

The staff at Ohio Cancer Specialists would be glad to answer any questions you may have about the prevention and screening for cancer.