February is National Cancer Prevention month and February 4 was National Cancer Day.

According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, cancer risk can be decreased with simple healthy lifestyle changes and early detection testing.

It’s important to be educated about the signs and symptoms of cancer and know the actions you can take to prevent the risk of cancer.

Research has shown that more than 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States can be associated with preventable causes. Some causes include things like smoking, obesity, minimal physical activity and more.

Introducing yourself to the research and information behind cancer prevention can help aid you in finding ways you can incorporate certain actions into your daily routine to reduce your risk of cancer.

Here are 6 tips to reduce your cancer risk from Mayo Clinic:

1. Get moving! Set a workout goal for yourself and work towards that on a daily basis. Maintaining a healthy weight will decrease your risk.
2. Put the tobacco down. If you smoke, try and join a program to help you quit. Avoiding tobacco or not using it all is important in diminishing the chances of getting cancer.
3. Eat healthier. It’s imperative to know what foods are healthy and what foods are hurting your body more than they are helping it. Things like fruits and vegetables should always be incorporated in mealtime and the consumption of processed meats and alcohol should be limited.
4. Sun protection. Skin cancer is very common yet it is also extremely preventable. Always wear sunscreen and protect your skin from the sun during the very strong times of the day (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
5. Get vaccinated. Check with your doctor about getting vaccinated from certain viral infections that could affect your chances of getting cancer.
6. Go to the doctor regularly. Getting a yearly (or more often) checkup plays a huge part in cancer prevention. If cancer is detected early, it will be easier to treat. Ask your doctor what they think is the best cancer screening schedule.

During National Cancer Prevention month, it is extremely important to educate yourself and not only get to know the causes of cancer but also how to take precautions to reduce the risks of getting cancer.