February 18, 2026

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about reducing your risk and understanding how daily habits can shape your future. Cancer touches many families across the country in some way. While not all cancers can be prevented, studies show that up to 50 percent of cancer cases are linked to preventable factors like smoking, poor diet and lack of physical activity.

Prevention is about building habits to protect your health for years to come. When it comes to prevention consider the following:

Whole Foods

Healthy diets play a significant factor in helping prevent cancer. It’s best focus on a whole food diet, include more plant- based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes to provide antioxidants to help protect cells. Focus on healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids typically found in fish, nuts and seeds to reduce inflammation. Eat more lean protein and, whenever possible, try to eat fewer processed foods.

Staying Active

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults who engage in higher amounts of physical activity are at a reduced risk of developing several common cancers including, breast, kidney, stomach cancer and more.

Early Screening

Early screenings can save lives. Routine screenings can help identify cancer at its earliest and more treatable stages. Talk to your primary health care provider to learn which screenings are most appropriate for you.

Tobacco Use

According to the CDC, cigarette smoking is the No. 1 risk factor for lung cancer. In the United States, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80 percent to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths. Quitting smoking, no matter your age, can help you lower your risk of lung cancer.

Sun Safety

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure accounts for nearly 5 percent of preventable cancer cases. Building healthy habits like applying sunscreen when going outside can help minimize your sun exposure and reduce cancer risk.

Most importantly, focus on progress over perfection. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in our daily lives with keeping up healthy habits. Whether it’s taking the stairs over the elevator, adding vegetables to your meal, or calling your doctor to schedule a screening, every step (no matter how big or small) counts!