Love, Romance, and Cancer Prevention

February – it’s a month of love, romance, chocolate, flowers, and…cancer prevention.

Some may believe that February is solely dedicated to the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day, but it also happens to be National Cancer Prevention Month.

We now have special months dedicated to just about everything under the sun – garlic mustard, breast cancer, hot tea, bath safety, lung cancer, sinus pain, and much more.

Perhaps the awareness month campaigns have become a little tiresome and overdone – but this one is worthy of pause. This one is for everyone. This month does not specify gender or cancer type; this month does not require you to wear a special color, run a special race, or adorn yourself with any sort of ribbon. This month is about you.

That’s right – the power of prevention rests with you.

No one is going to prevent cancer for you. It’s your body, your life, your choice.

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 40% of cancers are preventable. Forty percent. That’s more than one-third.

Imagine a world with 40% less cancer. Go ahead. Close your eyes and imagine it.

What would it look like? What would it feel like? Does it seem impossible?

Maybe it doesn’t have to be impossible. Maybe it’s actually simple. Maybe it starts with one small change, one small step. And maybe that’s where National Cancer Prevention Month comes in handy.

Apparently it takes about 21 days to change a habit. Twenty-one measly days. Three weeks. That’s all. There are 23 days left in the month – you get a buffer of two extra days to change a habit.

So, here’s your challenge: make one change to support your health. That’s it – just pick one thing and do it. If you’re a smoker, quit. If you live with a smoker, help them quit. If you aren’t getting enough exercise, start. If you haven’t had that mole checked, make an appointment.

Just commit to making one change to support your health and reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Sound simple? That’s because it is.

Remember, you hold the keys to prevention. So in this month of love, show a little self-love and put your health first. You have 23 days – tell us what you plan to do to reduce your risk.