February is National Cancer Prevention Month, and although avoiding cancer isn’t guaranteed, there are ways to take charge of your health. Knowledge is power, and the more you learn about ways to lower the risk, the more empowered you will be.
Lower your cancer risk – Here are five things you can do to keep a positive outlook and promote a healthy lifestyle. Also, check out this link for more information about the causes and prevention of cancer – https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention.
- Awareness – If you or something about your body appears or feels different than usual, visit the doctor. Instead of being afraid of what the doctor will say, remember that early diagnosis means the greater your chances are for successful treatment and recovery. Follow the recommended age of when you should begin having regular screenings and follow through with those all-important appointments. Don’t let fear stop you!
- Have a Conversation – Even though it may be difficult, talk to relatives about health issues that run on both sides of your family. Gather as much information as you can and share it with your physician. If cancer does run in your family, your doctor has the information he/she needs to conduct testing if you are at risk. Also, talk about your fears with someone who’s going through or has had a similar experience. They may need to talk about it just as much as you do.
- Make the Appointment – Be vigilant in scheduling and keeping appointments for regular screenings and doctor’s appointments – mammogram, colonoscopy, routine bloodwork, physical, etc. Periodic testing and routine medical exams can reveal cancer in the early stages and result in effective early treatment.
- Buddy Up – Have a family member or friend accompany you to screenings/doctor appointments. It never hurts to have someone with you for support. Even better…encourage someone who is reluctant to have a screening make an appointment with you! That way, both of you are held accountable for keeping the date. As a two-time cancer survivor, Caryl understands the importance of supporting each other through the cancer process.
- Healthy Living – Strive to make healthy choices. Make a conscious effort to avoid behavior and exposure that may influence the risk of developing or exacerbate cancer growth. Exercise and healthy food choices are important in the prevention and reversal of many health issues by keeping our bodies, minds, and immune system strong.
Unfortunately, the unexpected can happen no matter how diligent we are in taking preventative measures, and cancer can strike any of us at any time.
In that case, the best thing we can do for a family member or friend is to be supportive…a compassionate and caring presence in their lives. In turn, if you are the one who is battling, allow yourself to receive care and kindness from others.
At Wigful Thinking Wig Studio, we are here to help you feel your best. Owner, Caryl, is a two-time cancer survivor and understands how overwhelming the struggle can be when undergoing treatment. Call 609-249-4811 to schedule your consultation.