February Marks National Cancer Prevention Month

Health experts emphasize the importance of understanding personal risk factors.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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February is National Cancer Prevention Month, and medical professionals are encouraging people to have open conversations with their healthcare providers about their personal cancer risk factors. While only about 10% of cancers are hereditary, knowing your family history can be life-changing in terms of taking proactive steps to reduce your overall risk through lifestyle changes and regular screenings.

Why it matters

Cancer is a complex disease, and no single factor determines a diagnosis. However, education, early detection, and proactive care remain some of the strongest defenses against cancer. By understanding their personal risk factors, individuals can take empowered steps to improve their long-term health outcomes.

The details

Health experts explain that small, consistent lifestyle choices like regular screenings, balanced nutrition, exercise, and avoiding tobacco can significantly impact a person's long-term cancer risk. At the same time, they stress that patients should never blame themselves, as cancer is a multifaceted disease. The key is using knowledge of risk factors to be proactive rather than live in uncertainty.

  • February is National Cancer Prevention Month.

The players

McKenzie Smartt

A nurse practitioner with Erlanger.

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What they’re saying

“It's the ability to be proactive and to be on the preventative side of things. To know what we need to be looking for and when we need to be looking for it. We focus so heavily on these modifiable lifestyle factors to really help reduce your overall risk.”

— McKenzie Smartt, Nurse Practitioner (wdef.com)

The takeaway

By understanding their personal cancer risk factors and taking proactive steps like regular screenings and lifestyle changes, individuals can significantly improve their long-term health outcomes and reduce their chances of a cancer diagnosis.