National Cancer Prevention Month: Why Prevention Matters & What You Can Do

Written By Mary Elizabeth Carlton

Each February, health organizations and advocates across the United States observe National Cancer Prevention Month — a time dedicated to raising awareness about the steps we can take to reduce cancer risk and protect our long-term health.

Cancer touches millions of families every year, yet research shows that a significant percentage of cancer cases can be prevented through lifestyle choices, vaccines, and early detection. At VAX 2 STOP CANCER (V2SC), we believe in empowering individuals with evidence-based information and tools so that more cancers can be prevented — not just treated.

Why National Cancer Prevention Month Matters

Cancer stats in this country are staggering: nearly 2 million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year, and more than 600,000 lives are lost to cancer annually. What many people don’t realize is that about 40% of cancers are linked to modifiable risk factors — meaning they could have potentially been prevented. These factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, infections like HPV, and sun exposure.

National Cancer Prevention Month isn’t about fear — it’s about taking control of what we can control. Healthy habits, screenings, and public health efforts are proven prevention strategies that work when people know about them and have access to them.

Modifiable Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies

There are actionable ways everyone can reduce their cancer risk, including:

Avoid Tobacco in All Forms

Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of cancer. Smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco products are strongly linked to lung, throat, mouth, bladder, pancreatic, and cervical cancers. Quitting tobacco at any age improves health outcomes and reduces cancer risk significantly — it’s one of the most effective prevention steps a person can take.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

Research consistently shows that healthy lifestyle choices reduce the risk of many cancers and chronic diseases. This includes:

  • Maintaining a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

  • Engaging in regular physical activity

  • Limiting alcohol consumption

  • Maintaining a healthy body weight

Healthy living doesn’t need to be perfect — small, sustainable changes make a difference.

Protect Your Skin from UV Exposure

Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds increases skin cancer risk. Simple prevention measures like sunscreen, hats, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours can significantly reduce that risk.

Vaccination and Early Detection Save Lives

Two prevention strategies stand out for their strong impact:

Cancer Screenings Save Lives

Regular screenings can catch cancer early — when treatment is most effective — and in some cases, prevent cancer entirely. For example:

  • Colorectal cancer screenings can identify and remove precancerous growths before they turn into cancer.

  • Cervical cancer screenings (Pap tests and HPV testing) detect changes in cells before cancer develops.

Healthcare providers can help determine which screenings are appropriate based on age, sex, personal history, and risk factors.

Vaccines Prevent Cancer-Causing Infections

Vaccination is one of the most powerful cancer prevention tools available today. The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus responsible for 99% of all cervical cancers, as well as many vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancers.

Studies show that HPV vaccination dramatically reduces the prevalence of HPV infections and precancerous lesions — and offers community-wide protection through herd immunity.  Beginning vaccination as early as age 9 is recommended to maximize protection before exposure to the virus.

How You Can Take Action This February (and Beyond)

National Cancer Prevention Month is an opportunity to reflect, act, and share what you’ve learned with others. Here are steps you can take:

  • Talk to your healthcare provider about cancer screenings and vaccines.

  • Quit tobacco or support someone who is quitting.

  • Move more, choose nutritious foods, and limit alcohol.

  • Use sun protection and avoid tanning beds.

  • Share reliable prevention information with your family and community.

Prevention isn’t a one-time event — it’s a lifelong commitment. And the good news is that every step you take matters. Whether it’s scheduling a doctor visit, encouraging a loved one to vaccinate, or making healthier lifestyle choices, you’re contributing to a future with fewer cancer diagnoses and more lives saved.

At V2SC, we believe a future where cancer is less common is within reach — especially when prevention comes first.

Sources

Mary Elizabeth Carlton
Next

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Progress, Prevention, & the Path Forward