It’s always better to be safe than sorry. That applies to many things in life and it goes double for your health.

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February is home to other holidays than Valentine’s Day (like American Heart Month!). National Cancer Prevention Month is one of those month-long holidays meant to raise awareness.

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Your health is always a top priority, whether you’re a healthcare professional or a patient.

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Whether you’ve battled cancer before or have a loved one who has, National Cancer Prevention Month can be a rewarding, fulfilling, and informative way to learn about cancer and cancer research — in the following ways, of course.

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Know What Increases Your Risk of Cancer

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The National Cancer Institute defines cancer as a “disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.”

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Several factors contribute to the development of cancerous cells, such as:

• Tobacco use
• Contact with secondhand smoke
• Too much sun exposure
• Excess body weight
• Unhealthy dietary habits
• Exposure to certain kinds of radiation or chemicals

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These factors are not the sole contributors to cancerous cells. However, you can control these factors.

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An unhealthy diet can turn into a healthy one with the help of smaller portions and self-discipline. Stop smoking or refrain from going to places where cigarette smoke is prominent.

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Another noteworthy aspect of cancer cell growth is how cancer isn’t developed. Your personality, emotions, or other aspects of your mental health do not determine cancer development.

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There is no connection between attitudes or personality types to cancer occurrence, according to the American Cancer Society.

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Now that you know a little more about how cancer cells develop, here’s how you can make the most of National Cancer Prevention Month.

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Know Your Family History

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Between 3 and 10 in every 100 cancers are associated with an inherited faulty gene, according to the NHS. In other words, some cancers — though rare — are genetic.

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Specifically, your risk of developing breast cancer, bowel cancer, and ovarian cancer rise if a family member has it.

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The NHS says you might have a cancer gene if:

• 2 or more close relatives on the same side of the family have the same type of cancer
• The cancer occurred at a young age (before the age of 50)
• A close relative has had two different types of cancer.

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Though most cancers develop as a result of other factors, take this National Cancer Prevention Month to learn about your family’s history with cancer. It can save your life and the life of a loved one.

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Schedule a Cancer Screening — Regularly

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The best way to lead a healthy life is to excel at the simple things: have a consistent and effective exercise regimen, eat healthy and nutritious portions, etc.

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That also means going to your doctor’s office for a regular checkup. One of the most effective ways to prevent a cancerous growth from metastasizing is to detect it early. In other words, make that appointment sooner rather than later.

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Cancer screenings are an absolute must in your healthcare routine. You should schedule one as often as you would a dentist visit or an optometrist (for our glasses-wearing readers).

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Infirmary Health recommends getting cancer screenings from the age of 25 and up. Make room for your calendar and get that cancer screening. One day can make all the difference.

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Donate to Cancer Research

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There are other ways to commemorate National Cancer Prevention Month than screenings and the occasional caesar salad.

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Spread awareness by donating to some charities or organizations dedicated to cancer research.

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For example, you can donate to the American Association for Cancer Research through a one-time or monthly donation. You can stylize your donation based on the amount and if it’s in memory or a loved one.

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Regardless of value, your donation will “propel the important work of the more than 50,000 members of the American Association for Cancer Research in driving progress against cancer.”

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PvC - Players vs. Cancer

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For our gamers, you can join the yearlong charity gaming event Players vs. Cancer (PvC). Whether you’re watching your favorite streamers or prefer to have the controller in your hands, PvC is a fun and effective way to support cancer research.

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You can raise funds by either donating or streaming (if you have the necessary equipment of course). Visit the PvC’s “Get Involved” page for more information on how to #PlaytoEndCancer (all profits go to the AACR).

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AACR Runners for Research

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Are you a runner? If so, great! Though running for the sake of running is good enough, it never hurts to add a little spice to your routine.

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Enter the Runners for Research program. Whether you’re wanting to participate in physical events or run a virtual race, you’re literally running to save lives.

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Apart from raising awareness of cancer prevention, running a 5K event is a welcome change of pace (no pun intended) to your running schedule without sacrificing the quality of your usual runs.

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It’s also a great way to get more social with your running. Running is a mostly solitary sport. That’s the appeal for many. However, running with a crowd can give you an extra boost or a new perspective on running when your routine grows a little stale.

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And then there’s the philanthropic side to Runners for Research. You’re running a 5K, 10K, or marathon for an amazing cause. If you need a purpose to stick with your running routine, look no further.

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Check out our “How to Make the Right Workout Routine for You” blog for more advice on how to cross that starting line.

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Conclusion

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Whether you’re watching your favorite streamer on a charity stream or prepping for a 5K, every bit of effort benefits an amazing cause.

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National Cancer Prevention Month is a perfect time to raise awareness of one’s own health and the health of their loved ones — and still get a workout in.

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Donate, go for a run — get involved in activities that will benefit cancer research. That extra stride or donation can save lives and help create breakthroughs in research.

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Like Breast Cancer Awareness Month or American Heart Month, use National Cancer Prevention Month as a way to change your routine in a radically healthy way.

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