Cancer Screening & Prevention Resources

Did you know staying active can significantly lower your risk of cancer—what an empowering thought! Regular physical activity has the power to reduce the risk of several cancers, including breast, colon, and endometrial cancer. It also helps control weight and reduce inflammation, which are essential components in the fight against cancer. You don’t need to be an athlete to make a difference. Just 30 minutes of walking, biking, swimming, or even jogging in a pool on most days can create lasting benefits. Imagine strolling on your favorite Florida beach or exploring one of our beautiful state, county, or city parks. Even a quick trip to the mailbox and back can contribute to your well-being.

Whatever you choose, embrace physical activity as a vital part of your daily and weekly routine!

Did you know the foods you eat every day can significantly influence your cancer risk? It can be challenging to limit convenient processed foods like artificially flavored snacks and frozen meals, but eating more natural fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like beans and chicken can help your body fight cancer. These nourishing foods are packed with fiber and nutrients that bind and eliminate toxins, combat inflammation, and help repair DNA.

Small changes can lead to remarkable transformations over time, such as swapping a bag of chips for fruits and vegetables full of antioxidants and fiber like delightful Florida strawberries and Florida sweet corn to your dinner plate. Let’s take control of our health, one meal at a time. Your choices today can lower your cancer risk tomorrow.

While we love to embrace the sunshine in Florida, it’s important to remember that excessive sun exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible to us, but they penetrate our skin cells, damaging their DNA. This damage can lead to errors during cell division, resulting in cancerous growth. The good news is that protecting yourself from UV damage is simple. When you’re out in the sun, consider these three tips

• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
• Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Remember that protecting your skin starts early, so keep your children safe, too! Together, we can shine bright and protect our health.