February Cancer Prevention Month

February – Cancer Prevention Month by NOU Magazine

Saturday, February 4th, 2017 was World Cancer Day and the entire month of February is Cancer Prevention Month.   As we recognized those fighting cancer, admired those who are now survivors, and reverently remembered those who have been lost to cancer on World Cancer Day, one of the many ways we can make a difference is through education.  We would like to share information from "experts" in cancer control and prevention so that YOU can be informed as well as inform and educate family, friends, and those that you love about how cancer may be prevented.

One great resource to learn more about cancer prevention is the American Institute for Cancer Research.  There are ten recommendations that the American Institute for Cancer Research cites for cancer prevention.  These ten recommendations for cancer prevention are drawn from the WCRF/AICR Second Expert Report. Each recommendation links to more details.  Everyone should read and take note!  The choices we make impact our health and some are things that are not very difficult to do.

1. Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
2. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day. Limit sedentary habits.
3. Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods.
4. Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans.
5. Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats.
6. If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day.
7. Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium).
8. Don't use supplements to protect against cancer.
9. * It is best for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months and then add other liquids and foods.
10. * After treatment, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention.

The American Institute for Cancer Research makes it really easy to keep track on what you are doing - or not doing - to reduce your risk of cancer.  They have put together a 30-day checklist that can help keep you on track.

The American Association for Cancer Research Foundation is another great resources and says  "research has shown that more than half of all cancers diagnosed in the United States can be attributed to preventable causes – things like smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive exposure to the sun."  Read about the amazing research being done which contributes towards significant progress with prevention science.  AACR's Scott M. Lippman, MD, editor-in-chief of the AACR journal  Cancer Prevention Research, contributed a guest post to the AACR’s blog, Cancer Research Catalyst, which shares more on the advances in cancer prevention.

Educate yourself and your family, friends and loved ones.  Education = empowerment = better health!

NOU Magazine | February 8, 2017 at 8:00 am | URL: http://wp.me/p7szYo-MQ