As part of the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative, health officials are focusing on cancer prevention in March. Dr. Steven Stack, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, said while people can’t change factors like age, genetic makeup, and family history, they can make moderate lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of developing cancer.
“One way you can significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer is by maintaining a healthy weight. In fact, being overweight has been linked to 13 different types of cancer, which make up 40% of all cancers diagnosed each year in the United States. A healthy diet can help reduce your weight and lower your risk of cancer,” said Dr. Stack.
Dr. Stack said this means establishing healthy eating patterns involving lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other high fiber foods. The commissioner added physical activity can reduce inflammation, improve immune systems function, and help regulate hormones. He encouraged at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise three times a week to decrease cancer and other health risks.
Along with being health conscious, Dr. Stack said it's important to remember that cancer doesn't wait, so neither should Kentuckians.
“Cancer screening is an essential part of cancer prevention. Getting routine cancer screenings improves your odds of finding several types of cancer, such as breast, cervical, colon and lung cancer. Before you have symptoms and when treatment is most likely to work best. Talk with your healthcare provider today to see what cancer screenings may be right for you,” said Stack.
Dr. Stack said that understanding family health history is essential to health and wellness and cancer prevention. Family history of certain cancers can elevate the risks of developing those types of cancers.
More information on cancer prevention and healthy habits is available at ourhealthykyhome.ky.gov.