“February is National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the steps we can take to reduce our risk of cancer.  Know this 40% of cancer cases and 44% of cancer-related deaths are linked to preventable lifestyle choices. By making informed decisions about what we eat, drink, and expose ourselves to, we can significantly lower our cancer risk.

5 things you should know about cancer prevention month:

1-Everyone knows, smoking remains the #1 most significant preventable cause of cancer, accounting for about 19.3% of cancer cases and 28.5% of cancer deaths.

2-Alcohol, in any amount, is detrimental to our health. Alcohol consumption contributes to 5.4% of cancer cases. It increases the risk of cancers in the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, colorectum, liver, larynx, and breast. CRI Clinical Innovator Marina Baretti, MD (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine), recently highlighted the importance of controlling alcohol intake. “The recommendation is really to either stay away or (have) no more than two drinks per day for a man (and) no more than one drink per day for a woman,” she advised.

3-Our dietary habits can make a real difference towards our cancer risk.  Consumption of red meat (beef, pork, veal, lamb, etc) and processed meats (smoked and cured meats, cold cuts, sausages, etc) have been shown to increase a person’s risk for colorectal cancer. In addition, excess body weight is also a significant and preventable risk factor for cancer. Research has shown that high BMI is associated with an increased risk of developing 13 to 18 types of cancer.

4-Ultra Violet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds contributes to 4.6% of cancer cases. In fact, it’s the primary cause of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Over five million annual global cases of skin cancer due to direct exposure of UV rays.

5-It may come as a surprise, but infections caused by viruses and certain bacteria play a significant role in cancer development. In fact, they account for approximately 13% of cancer cases globally.”

CRI – Cancer Research Institute (Five Things You Need to Know for National Cancer Prevention Month – Cancer Research Institute)