February 1, 2026
By Tammy McCausland
February is National Cancer Prevention Month. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 2 million people in the United States would be diagnosed with cancer in 2025 (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer),1 translating to approximately 5,600 new diagnoses each day.1 The most common cancer diagnoses are breast, prostate, lung and colorectal.1 A study by researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests that “at least 40% of all cancer cases and nearly 50% of cancer deaths in adults aged 30 or older in the United States can be attributed to potentially modifiable risk factors.”2 The American Association for Cancer Research’s (AACR) 2025 Cancer Progress Report indicates that “Nearly 20 percent of US cancer diagnoses are related to excess body weight, unhealthy dietary patterns, alcohol intake, and physical inactivity.”3
Given these statistics, how can people modify their behavior to potentially prevent cancer? Here are some key suggestions regarding screenings, lifestyle changes, and protection and awareness.
Screenings
Cancer screenings, including mammograms, colonoscopies, human papilloma virus (HPV) tests and skin cancer screenings, can lead to early detection, which can, in turn, lead to better outcomes.
The SROA blog article titled “Breast Cancer Awareness Month Marks 40th Anniversary” emphasizes the importance of screening and highlights the recommended age guidelines for screenings by medical societies and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).4
In 2021, the USPSTF lowered the recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 455 due to a rise in diagnoses in people in their thirties and forties. Doctors from Yale Medicine warn that people as young as 20 should be on the lookout for warning signs.6 A 2026 ACS study revealed that between 1990 and 2023, colorectal cancer in people under 50 has by 1.1% each year since 2005.7
The HPV test is used to screen for precancers and cervical cancer. Screening for skin cancer is also important, but the frequency depends on several factors, as outlined in a 2023 article published by Harvard Health Publishing.8
Lifestyle Changes
Several lifestyle factors can increase or lower the risk of cancer, including smoking/tobacco use, weight and diet, and exercise.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer.9 Radon is another notable cause. 9 Quitting smoking yields both short- and long-term benefits, including a reduced risk of heart attack (1 to 2 years after quitting); 50 percent less risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and larynx (5–10 years after quitting); and risk of lung cancer that is about half that of a smoker, plus decreased risk of bladder, kidney, and esophagus cancers (10 years after quitting).10
Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity can help prevent several types of cancer.11,12 The AACR’s 2025 Cancer Progress Report states, “More than 20 percent of new cancer cases and more than 18 percent of cancer deaths in US adults are attributable to a combination of excess body weight, poor diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption. . . .Following a healthier lifestyle—maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and consuming a balanced diet—may reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, as well as many other adverse health outcomes.3 Ultra-processed foods have come under scrutiny in recent years, with researchers linking them to precancerous polyps13 and a higher death risk in cancer survivors.14 So-called “superfoods” such as berries, pulses (beans, legumes and lentils) and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli) may aid in preventing cancer.15
Protection and Awareness
The SROA blog article “Skin Cancer: Be Aware and Take Care” discusses preventative measures people can take to protect themselves from getting skin cancer: wearing sunscreen and sun-protective clothing, wearing a hat, and staying out of the sun during peak sunlight hours.16 The American Academy of Dermatology Association website offers tips for preventing skin cancer.17
Another way to protect against different kinds of cancer is to be aware of family medical history. Family medical history can highlight patterns of increased risk due to hereditary factors, multiple cases of the same cancer among blood relatives, and early onset.18 Armed with such knowledge, people can undergo genetic counseling for proactive prevention, get screened earlier and more often, and make personalized lifestyle changes to reduce risk.
Cancer Prevention Year-Round
While the focus this month is on cancer prevention, year-round vigilance may help. Cancer does not take a month off, and neither should the habits and awareness that can reduce its risk. Prevention does not require dramatic or sweeping change: Small, consistent steps—like scheduling an overdue screening, swapping processed snacks for whole foods, adding a daily walk, or simply knowing your family history—can add up to meaningful protection over time. The cancer statistics are sobering, but they also point to something genuinely hopeful: people can make choices and take action to reduce their risk.
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