WVU in the News: WVU Cancer Institute leaders urge prevention methods

With February being National Cancer Prevention Month, researchers and experts draw attention to ways to reduce cancer risk. Experts at the West Virginia University Cancer Research Center say nearly half of cancer cases in the United States could be avoided through simple changes in lifestyle or by watching out for early warning signs.

Primary prevention focuses on stopping cancer before it starts, said Stephenie Kennedy-Rea, chair of cancer prevention and control at the WVU Cancer Institute and the WVU School of Medicine. That includes maintaining a healthy weight through diet and physical activity, receiving vaccinations such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and avoiding tobacco use.