Cancer seems like a distant risk—something that would never happen to you or a loved one. Pop culture often shows cancer as a devastating disease, completely different from anything else you might experience.

While this can be true, cancer is also more common than you might imagine. We have made incredible strides in treatment, and recovery rates are better than ever in history.

Despite this, cancer is a serious condition that can affect anyone—young or old, male or female, smoker or non-smoker. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, and it’s an ideal time to consider your risk factors and start making lifestyle changes to protect yourself against cancer. By educating yourself now, you’ll be better able to reduce your risk in the future — and respond appropriately if you or a loved one gets a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer in the United States: How Common is It?

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 2 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2023.

While cancer is overall decreasing and treatment outcomes have improved, there remains a risk. And certain types of cancer are still very difficult to treat. The prognosis is usually better when cancer is diagnosed early, but studies show that women and minorities are less likely to have this benefit.

All these numbers point to a compelling truth: Prevention is crucial, and knowledge is power.

Oncology providers field a lot of questions from patients and their families. In addition to answering these questions, they can provide lifestyle tips. A proactive approach to cancer prevention and treatment supports an overall message of empowerment rather than doom and gloom. The oncology environment can complement this approach with sturdy clinical recliners, such as Champion’s Ascent, that prioritize the patient’s agency and comfort.

Key Risk Factors for Cancer—and How to Avoid Them

Some people carry genes that contribute to their cancer risk. However, genetics are just one part of the picture. And even if cancer “runs in the family,” lifestyle choices, healthcare access, and many other factors can raise or lower one’s risk.

Of all these factors, people have the greatest control over their lifestyles.

Key cancer risk factors include:

• Smoking tobacco
• Drinking alcohol
• Eating a diet high in fat and sugar/low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
• Having a sedentary lifestyle and/or excess body weight
• Contracting HPV or HBV

Let’s explore some of these risk factors in more detail.

Smoking and tobacco use

It’s probably no surprise that lung cancer is heavily linked to smoking. Three out of ten lung cancer cases can be attributed to the patient’s history of tobacco use. Cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco all contain carcinogenic ingredients. Also, the very act of smoking causes inflammation that lowers the body’s natural defenses against oxidation—the cell damage that causes cancer. People who smoke are 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer than those who don’t.

Alcohol consumption

Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of cancer for various organs, from the liver to the stomach and colon. About 6 percent of cancers can be linked to the patient’s alcohol use. Alcohol can damage the liver, which is crucial to detoxifying the body, as well as DNA itself. It also increases estrogen levels and therefore the risk of breast cancer.

A low-nutrition diet

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. The digestive tract is a complex microbiome. When it’s in a constant state of dysregulation, cancer cells are more likely to develop. This can happen when patients don’t eat enough fiber to sustain their beneficial gut bacteria. Sugary foods feed harmful bacteria, creating imbalance and stress in the colon.

By contrast, foods rich in vitamins and minerals support a healthy metabolism and other vital bodily processes. For example, vitamin E is a major antioxidant—meaning it helps prevent cancer. About 84% of Americans are deficient in vitamin E, which can be found in leafy green vegetables and whole grains. If one mostly eats food products with refined flour and doesn’t consume many fresh veggies, they may not be getting enough vitamin E.

A sedentary lifestyle and excess weight

Some people work on their feet and spend their leisure hours on the couch. Others get regular exercise but work a desk job. Both situations could be considered a sedentary lifestyle. About a quarter of Americans do not engage in physical activity outside of work.

Even if one achieves the CDC’s recommendation for 150 minutes of exercise per week, sitting all day at work can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The digestive tract doesn’t work as efficiently in the seated position. And the longer one sits, the fewer calories they burn, contributing to weight gain even if they exercise.

Excess body fat is a major risk factor for cancer, as well as diabetes and cardiovascular disease—which can further increase one’s risk. Obesity (defined as a BMI over 25) increases the relative risk of colorectal cancer by up to 30%, live cancer by up to 80%, and pancreatic cancer by up to 50%.

Moreover, oncology patients who are overweight or obese may face additional challenges during treatment. For example, they may find it harder to increase their physical activity. medical equipment or seating may not be sized properly for them.

As part of its mission to empower cancer patients and support their recovery, Champion has designed comfortable medical recliners with bariatric support. The Ascent offers a range of seated and reclining positions to relieve strain on the heart and digestive tract.

National Cancer Prevention Month: Getting Screened for Cancer

If there’s one thing oncologists agree on, it’s that early detection is crucial. Older adults (aged 45 and up) should begin annual screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends:

• Yearly mammograms for women aged 45 to 54
• Biennial mammograms for women aged 55 and up (or yearly if there is concern)
• Regular colorectal screenings (every 5-10 years depending on risk profile) for people aged 45 and up
• HPV test every 5 years for people aged 25 to 65
• Pap smear every 3 years for women aged 25 to 65 (or every 5 years co-tested with HPV)

If one has a parent or grandparent who’s developed cancer, they may be at higher genetic risk. However, lifestyle and environmental factors also play a huge role. It’s important for every patient to speak with their regular physician to assess their risk—and develop a prevention plan.

Champion Supports Cancer Patients and Their Families

National Cancer Prevention Month is a great time to evaluate one’s cancer risk and begin modifying their lifestyle as necessary. Oncology providers can help the public gain knowledge about cancer and take control of their risk profile. Champion is here to help cultivate a sense of empowerment—together, we can improve outcomes for those diagnosed.

Keeping patients comfortable and safe during long infusion or oncology treatments is crucial. At Champion, we ensure that healthcare professionals have the clinical access and ease of use they need, while creating a comforting and reassuring experience for the patient.

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