February is National Cancer Prevention Month – a reminder for all patients to take steps to reduce your cancer risk. Research shows that one-third of cancers are preventable.
How to Prevent Cancer? Visit Your Provider and Get Screened Regularly.
One of the best things you can do for your health is getting regular cancer screenings. At your annual wellness visit, talk to your Konza medical provider about your lifestyle and family history. The Konza team will help you make a plan for getting screened.
Contact your Konza medical provider to make an appointment.
Know Your Genetics and Family History
The genes you inherit might put you at risk for some cancers. Tell your medical provider about your family history. While you can’t change your genes, there are steps you can take to lower your risk, and your healthcare provider can help.
Get Help to Quit Smoking
Smoking is an addiction to nicotine and quitting is hard. Support and medication from your health provider can improve your chances of quitting. Most health insurance, including Medicaid, can help. Talk to your healthcare provider or find resources at KanQuit.org.
Limit Alcohol
Drinking alcohol increases your risk for oral cavity and pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum, and female breast cancers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information about preventing cancer by reducing alcohol use: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/prevention.htm
Eat Healthy, Be Active, and Stay a Healthy Weight
Several cancers are linked to poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and obesity. Your Konza healthcare provider can refer you to a registered dietitian who can help you make a plan for healthy eating choices and increasing physical activity.
Breastfeeding also plays a role in cancer prevention for mothers and infants. The WIC program offers nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding new mothers, and children up to age 5 who are nutritionally at risk.
Limit Sun Exposure and Don’t Indoor Tan
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. It is important to protect your skin from UV rays all year round, not just during the summer. Learn about how to protect your skin from the sun so you can still enjoy time outdoors: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
Test Your Home for Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that causes lung cancer. Test your home for radon every five years, when buying a home, and after major renovations. If you have a radon system, check it every two years to make sure it is working properly. Learn more from the Kansas Radon Program.
Get Vaccinated for HPV and Hepatitis B
HPV (Human papilloma virus) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. HPV infection can lead to cancer in men and women, including cancers of the cervix, vagina, penis, anus and throat. Children ages 11-12 should be vaccinated for HPV. Catch-up vaccination is recommended for anyone through age 26 who is not adequately vaccinated. Adults age 27-45 may also want to discuss the HPV vaccine with their healthcare provider to determine if the HPV vaccine is right for them.
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children. Ask your Konza healthcare provider or local health department for more information.
Vaccination for the hepatitis B virus can prevent the infection and lower your risk for liver cancer. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 18 be screened at least once for the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups. Your healthcare provider can help make sure you are up-to-date on your hepatitis B vaccine.
