February Is National Cancer Prevention Month. As part of our cancer awareness and prevention efforts, the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation emphasizes that up to one-third of the most common cancers in the US are preventable. And with February 4 being commemorated as ‘World Cancer Day,’ we think it is a great time to remember these tips to help prevent cancer when possible.

• Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight
• Aim to build more activity, like brisk walking, into your daily routine
• Avoid sugary drinks, and limit consumption of energy-dense foods (ie, those with a high ratio of calories to volume)
• Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes
• Limit red meat consumption (like beef, pork, and lamb) and avoid processed meats
• Limit alcoholic drinks (if consumed at all) to 2 drinks for men and 1 drink for women
• Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium)
• Do not use dietary supplements to protect against cancer (ie, these should not be a substitute for a healthy diet that includes nutrient-rich whole foods)
• It is best for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months before introducing other liquids and foods (Research suggests that there is a breast cancer protective effect for mothers and reduced likelihood of childhood overweight/obesity)