February is National Cancer Prevention Month and a Dallas County Health Department official gives tips on how to reduce the risk.

Community Health Educator Natalie Del Vecchio says while cancer is complex, it typically develops when cells in the body start to grow out of control. She adds that some of the risk factors are things people can’t change, including age and having a family history of certain cancers.

Del Vecchio details that other causes are linked to the environment and people’s daily habits. She explains that tobacco use is the single biggest preventable cause of cancer. Other factors include excessive alcohol, exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds, poor diet, lack of physical activity or pollution.

Del Vecchio says that there are ways people can reduce their risk of cancer.

“It starts with those everyday habits such as eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco in all forms, limiting alcohol and protecting your skin from the sun.” 

 She also stresses the importance of getting the recommended cancer screenings.