National Cancer Prevention Month: Small Choices Today Can Help Save Lives Tomorrow

Lavender is more than a calming color. Each February, it serves as the visual symbol of National Cancer Prevention Month, a reminder that awareness, education, and prevention can make a measurable difference in cancer outcomes. The lavender ribbon represents hope, resilience, and the growing understanding that many cancers are not inevitable. In fact, research consistently shows that up to half of cancer cases may be preventable through lifestyle changes, early detection, and access to preventive care.

Second-Leading Killer in U.S.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Understanding where the burden is greatest helps focus prevention efforts.

The top 10 cancers in the United States by estimated new cases include:

When looking at cancer-related deaths, lung cancer remains the leading cause, followed by colorectal, pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancers. While survival rates have improved for many cancer types, these numbers underscore the importance of prevention and early diagnosis.

The top 10 cancer types account for more than 1.5 million estimated new cases yearly and cause over 380,000 deaths. All cancer deaths in the U.S. top 613,000, the second-leading cause of death behind heart disease.

Prevention Starts with Understanding

Many of these cancers share common risk factors, which is why National Cancer Prevention Month focuses heavily on education and behavior change. Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of cancer, linked not only to lung cancer but also to cancers of the mouth, throat, bladder, pancreas, and more. Diet, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption, and prolonged sun exposure also contribute significantly to cancer risk.

Prevention efforts emphasize balanced, plant-forward diets, regular physical activity, limiting alcohol, protecting skin from UV exposure, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Screenings Can Catch Issues Early

Screenings and vaccinations are equally critical. Early detection through mammograms, colonoscopies, cervical cancer screening, and lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals can identify cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is often more effective.

The prospect of visiting a hospital or surgery center, cost and privacy concerns, and physical discomfort during the preparation or procedure can all be potential drawbacks. However, any concern is worth knowing that you are cancer-free or have caught it early, when treatments are more likely to be successful.

Vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B prevent infections that can lead to cervical, liver, and other cancers, making them powerful tools in long-term prevention strategies.

Underserved Communities Face Additional Challenges

Preventing cancer isn't a primary concern for those who struggle to put food on the table, access a job or keep the utilities paid. Language barriers and cultural differences can also be issues. For those facing social and economic barriers that make prevention more difficult, trusted community resources can help bridge the gap.

Services such as 211 connect people to local assistance for food, housing, transportation, utility support and health services, while platforms like Findhelp allow users to search by ZIP code for free or low-cost resources tailored to their needs.

Federal resources include Medicare and Medicaid for eligible individuals, SNAP benefits (food stamps), and WIC for pregnant/postpartum people and young children. Public health agencies and community-based organizations often partner to address nonclinical factors that influence cancer risk, such as access to nutritious food and reliable transportation for screenings. Don't overlook local transit agencies and health systems/clinics that may have programs for high-need people.

Proper Nutrition Can Reduce Risk

Nutrition is another growing focus in cancer prevention education. Many organizations and healthcare systems now share short educational videos on platforms like YouTube that highlight the role of whole foods, fiber-rich diets, and reduced consumption of processed foods in lowering cancer risk. For those who have been diagnosed with cancer, nutrition during cancer treatment can be a critical factor in successful treatment.

Prevention Starts with Empowerment

National Cancer Prevention Month invites everyone to participate. Wearing lavender, sharing credible information, scheduling recommended screenings, and supporting healthier habits at home and at work are simple but meaningful steps.

Prevention is not about eliminating risk entirely, but about empowering individuals and communities with knowledge and access that can reduce cancer cases and save lives.