Taking Action Against Cancer

Over the past several months, we have witnessed millions of people quickly change their habits to avoid COVID-19. We began wearing masks, keeping our distance, and washing our hands far more frequently. Together, we have saved millions of lives. In the same way, I would like to encourage broad, culture-transforming change in the fight against cancer.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Vermont and the second leading cause of death nationwide. While some of the risk factors for cancer—like genetic predisposition—are out of our control, we can apply our effort to reduce odds of getting cancer for ourselves and our neighbors. The positive changes we make are certain to make a positive impact on our overall health and the health of our communities.

Here are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer for yourself and your family:

Avoid all tobacco products. The biggest risk for cancer is using tobacco, especially cigarettes and vaping. Smokers and other tobacco users can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to find a helpful program in their state. Quit partners can help you make a plan, provide access to tools, and give you free nicotine replacement. When you quit, the health of those around you is also improved. And you’ll reduce your risk of serious illness from COVID-19, COPD, and heart disease at the same time.

Eat and exercise in ways that help maintain a healthy weight. Almost everyone can find ways to improve their eating and exercise habits. The most important thing is to start where you are and to take one small step in a positive direction. Once that change seems like second nature, try to improve another habit. Trading sugary drinks for water, putting vegetables on your pizza, or making time for a 10-minute morning workout may seem like small improvements, but they make a huge difference over time. If you fail, make the goal a little smaller and try again right away. With each success, you’ll gain confidence and make even more positive changes over time. And just like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight reduces risk of serious illnesses like diabetes and COVID-19.

Mitigate environmental risks. If you were careful to wear sunscreen, which can help avoid skin cancer; had your home checked for radon, which causes lung cancer; and followed the directions for chemicals and other hazardous materials closely, you would be most of the way to reducing your risk of cancer caused by environmental factors. One exposure to any one of these—sun, radon, or chemicals—won’t cause cancer, but repeated or long-term exposures drastically increase your risk. Information about radon, and access to a free test kit, can be found at https://www.healthvermont.gov/radon.

Get Screened. Be sure to keep your annual checkup with your primary care provider. Ask about appropriate cancer screenings for someone your age and with your family history. You may need a colonoscopy, mammogram, papsmear, or prostate check. Depending on history and exposure, your doctor might recommend a lung cancer screening or a skin cancer check with a specialist. Completing these screenings as recommended can help catch cancer when it is most treatable. What would be a major ordeal a few years later turns out to be a small diversion in an otherwise very healthy life.

Lend a Hand. If you feel good about your progress in each of these areas, you can work together with local groups to encourage community-wide cancer prevention.  Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer (VTAAC.org) has many taskforces devoted to specific projects, including encouraging smoke-free environments.

Just as you have taken action against COVID-19, you can change your life to avoid cancer. Encouraging your family and others in your community will help us all live longer and healthier lives.

Carol Comar-Frost, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, is a family nurse practitioner who works with cancer patients at the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, which is part of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.