Cancer Awareness
November is cancer awareness month for several types of cancer including lung, pancreatic, and stomach cancer. This month highlights the importance of risk awareness, understanding preventative measures, and early detection. While these diseases can be quite serious, there are steps we can take to reduce our risk and stay proactive about our health.
Prioritize regular screenings.
Routine cancer screenings, particularly for those at higher risk or who have family history, can catch cancers early when they're most treatable. Find cancer screening guidelines by age here.
Eat healthful foods and move your body.
Choose vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and beans/lentils often and find joyful ways to move your body. Try a new Cook Well Berkeley recipe or attend one of our kickboxing or yoga classes!
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are two of the most effective ways to reduce cancer risk.
Stay informed of environmental/occupational exposure.
Reducing exposure to environmental carcinogens like asbestos or radon plays a crucial role in prevention. For those interested, low cost home radon tests are readily available for order online.
Be aware of symptoms and consult early.
By staying informed about potential symptoms (ex. unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or unusual pain) and acting early, we can greatly improve our chances of successful treatment.
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