February is ‘Cancer Prevention Month’ and health officials recommend ways to decrease your risk

EASTERN SHORE, Md. – February is ‘Cancer Prevention Month’, and the idea is to help people be more aware of different cancers. WMDT spoke with officials from Atlantic General Hospital about prevention, and there are ways to decrease risk potential.

Physician Assistant for AGH, Michael Heilman, said he always advises his patients on healthy food options. “I like to tell my patients that when they go to the grocery store, try shopping on the outside perimeter. Typically, that’s where you find the healthiest options with fewer preservatives.”

Health officials would like if cancer prevention was important every month. Heilman said a multitude of symptoms to watch out for,

“The alarming signs of any cancer are weight loss, fevers, and night sweats. I always tell patients who are usually worried about developing some undetectable cancer to be mindful.”

Officials recommend healthy eating, consistent exercise sessions, and staying active throughout your day. Heilman said putting on sunscreen during warmer beach months is important. Especially for farmers who work on the shore.

“We live on the eastern shore, and there is plenty of sunlight. Usually, we’re at the beach, and our farmers are out there harvesting crops, so we want to make sure that we’re applying our sunscreen. That way, it can help decrease the risk of possible skin cancer and melanoma.”

Knowing your family history and bloodline is important. Some cancers are genetic and can be passed down from family member to family member. Heilman, said consistent checkups can lead to early detection.

“There are tons of screenings out now, and we live in an age where our medical resources are studied. Our technology is fairly good, so we can detect these certain types of cancer early.”