Local doctor explains how to lower your risk during National Cancer Prevention Month | Local News

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the steps we can all take to reduce the risk of cancer.

With national estimates suggesting that one in two men and one in three women will develop cancer at some point in their lives, it’s clear that this is a topic that should not be taken lightly.

Dr. Allen Coffman emphasized the importance of early awareness and action when it comes to cancer prevention.

“The sooner you start seriously thinking about preventing cancer in your life, the better,” said Coffman.

One of the first steps, he said, is to consider your family history.

If you have a family history of certain cancers, such as colon, breast, cervical, or skin cancer, it’s crucial to share that information with your primary care provider.

This knowledge can guide important screening and prevention strategies.

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, and exercising regularly are all essential steps in reducing the risk of cancer.

Dr. Coffman said that fruits and vegetables, especially those that benefit your colon, are vital to your diet.

He said just 20 minutes of exercise a few times a week can make a significant difference.

“The way that this works is it increases the muscle content of your body, which increases your metabolism. That decreases how much you store excess energy over time, and all of those things add up to help lower your risk for cancer,” said Coffman. 

In addition to diet and exercise, avoiding tobacco products and limiting sun exposure are crucial.

Dr. Coffman explained that skin cancer can begin the first time you’re out in the sun.

So it’s important to be cautious about sun exposure, especially at an early age.

If there’s a family history of skin cancer, early screening is essential.

Early detection can be a game-changer when it comes to many types of cancer.

“Things like testicular cancer, skin cancer, if caught early, colon cancer, breast cancer, can be treated fairly easily and not need complicated medications, treatments and surgeries,” Dr. Coffman said. 

Dr. Coffman also pointed to the HPV vaccine as a significant advancement in cancer prevention.

Ultimately, Dr. Coffman believes that making cancer prevention part of our everyday conversations can help reduce the disease’s impact.

“When we have ways to treat it that are highly effective that we screen for it and find it early,” said Coffman.

National Cancer Prevention Month is the perfect time to reflect on the actions you can take today to reduce your risk of cancer tomorrow.

Whether it’s improving your diet, increasing physical activity, or simply having a conversation with your healthcare provider about your family’s cancer history, every step you take matters.