February: National Cancer Prevention Month

With February being National Cancer Prevention Month, we want to share some tips for talking with your family about cancer prevention. While it can be an overwhelming conversation to initiate, it is a vital one to have. According to the American Association of Cancer Research, almost half of all cancer-related deaths are due to preventable risk factors. By starting the conversation, you and your loved ones can help each other engage in healthy habits to lower your risk of developing preventable cancer. 

1. Set the Tone
Set a loving tone to begin the conversation. Share with your family members that their health matters to you because you care about them and their well-being. In doing so, you can create a comfortable and supportive environment to put everyone at ease. 

2. Be Open About Family History
By being transparent about any family history of cancer, you can help your loved ones become better informed about their own cancer risks. If possible, including older relatives in the conversation can be helpful if you are unsure of your family history. 

3. Share Preventative Measures
You can lower your risk for several cancers through healthy lifestyle choices and habits. Share with your family that exercising regularly, eating a whole food diet, wearing sunscreen, and limiting alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of cancer development. 

4. Brainstorm
Brainstorm ways you can make healthy choices as a family. Consider taking family walks, cooking whole food meals together, and applying sunscreen on each other before spending time outdoors. 

It can be intimidating to discuss cancer prevention with your family, but in the end, it might save a life. Together, you and your loved ones can help each other reduce your risk of developing cancer.