Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Mississippi, accounting for about 1 in 5 deaths each year. Yet, 60 percent of all cancers are preventable. Throughout February, National Cancer Prevention Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is reminding you that leading a healthy lifestyle and seeing your medical provider regularly can help prevent the deadly disease.
Roughly one-third of cancer deaths are linked to lifestyle factors that you can control: diet, physical activity and weight. Though everyone is at risk, older adults are most vulnerable. By making intentional choices about your diet, exercise regimen, and other lifestyle choices, you can greatly reduce your risk.
Here’s What You Can Do
· Stay physically active to maintain your fitness and prevent obesity. Extra weight can increase your risk of certain cancers.
· Eat a diet high in vegetables and fruits. A diet low in red meat and high in colorful vegetables and fruits reduces the risk of a broad range of cancers.
· Don't smoke. Don't start, and if you do smoke, vape or chew tobacco, stop. Quitting tobacco can have a profound effect on your cancer risk, and getting help can double your chances of success.
· Get screened for cancer regularly. Screening can be simple and effective for detecting common cancers early – ask your doctor.
· Get vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical and many head and neck cancers. The vaccine is covered by most health insurers and is available for those uninsured through our county health department clinics.
Mississippi’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), works with communities and partners to help:
· Reduce cancer risk, find cancers earlier and improve treatments
· Increase the number of people who survive cancer
More than 18,000 new cases are projected for our state in 2026, according to the American Cancer Society. Let’s be proactive, Mississippi, in reducing our risk factors and winning the battle against cancer. MSDH also offers free screenings for certain cancers. Visit this link to see if you qualify: https://msdh.ms.gov/qualify
Visit this link to take a cancer risk assessment: ACS CancerRisk360 | American Cancer Society
For more resources, visit Cancer - Mississippi State Department of Health
Get up to date news and updates at: www.msdh.ms.gov. and on social media: facebook.com/HealthyMS, twitter.com/msdh and Instagram.com/healthy.ms
Download the new MSDH Healthy App for free in Apple and Android stores.
