February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a time to focus on prevention, early action, and the choices that can help reduce cancer risk over time.
While no one can control every risk factor, prevention starts with the steps we take today, including healthy habits and improving the environments where we live.
Why Cancer Prevention Matters
Cancer prevention is not about perfection. It is about awareness, small improvements, and getting ahead of avoidable risks. Many prevention campaigns focus on lifestyle, screenings, and learning what steps actually make a measurable difference.
Cancer Prevention Starts with Everyday Choices
1) Avoid Tobacco and Secondhand Smoke
Avoiding tobacco remains one of the most powerful ways to reduce cancer risk. It also helps protect lung health long-term.
2) Choose Movement and Whole Foods More Often
Healthy eating and regular activity support the body in countless ways and are commonly recommended as part of long-term prevention strategies.
3) Protect Your Skin
Simple habits like using sunscreen and limiting direct sun exposure can help reduce skin cancer risk.
4) Stay Up to Date on Screenings
Routine screenings and regular checkups help catch problems early. If you are unsure what screenings apply to you, a healthcare provider can guide you.
The Prevention Step Many People Forget: Your Home Environment
Prevention is not only about what we eat or how often we exercise. It is also about reducing exposure to risks in the places we spend the most time. For many families, that place is home.
This is where radon becomes especially important.
Radon and Lung Health: Why This Connection Matters
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter homes through cracks and openings in the foundation and build up indoors. Because radon is invisible and odorless, most people do not know it is there unless they test.
Here is the key reason radon belongs in National Cancer Prevention Month conversations:
Radon exposure is linked to lung cancer, and it is often described as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. That makes radon different from many other risks because it can affect people who do not smoke, and it can be present in any type of home.
In other words, radon and lung cancer are meaningfully connected because radon is an environmental exposure that directly impacts the lungs over time. The good news is that radon exposure is manageable. Testing gives homeowners clear answers, and mitigation can reduce elevated levels.
3 Simple Steps to Take This Month
1) Check Your Radon Risk by ZIP Code
Radon risk can differ from one area to another, and even between neighboring homes. A helpful first step is to explore radon trends where you live, and you can check your radon level by ZIP code here.
2) Test Your Home
Radon testing is the only way to confirm whether radon levels are elevated. Homeowners can use short-term testing as a starting point, and some choose long-term testing for a clearer picture over time.
3) Take Action If Levels Are High
If elevated radon levels are found, a professionally installed mitigation system can help reduce indoor radon levels and support healthier indoor air.
Common Questions About Radon
If you’re new to radon testing, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common questions homeowners ask. If you’d like more answers, you can explore our Radon FAQs here.
Can new homes have radon?
Yes. New construction does not prevent radon entry, which is why testing is still recommended.
Do radon levels change over time?
Yes. Weather, soil conditions, ventilation, and home modifications can all affect radon levels.
How often should radon be tested?
Testing every few years and after major home changes is a smart long-term habit.
Is radon only a concern in certain areas?
No. Elevated radon levels have been identified across the country, making testing important regardless of location.
National Cancer Prevention Month Checklist
If you want a simple way to approach prevention without overthinking it, start here:
✅ Avoid tobacco and secondhand smoke
✅ Move more days than not
✅ Choose whole foods more often
✅ Use sunscreen and protect your skin
✅ Stay current on recommended screenings
✅ Test your home for radon
✅ Mitigate if levels are elevated
Final Takeaway: Prevention Is Built on Small Steps
National Cancer Prevention Month is a reminder that prevention is not one big decision. It is a collection of small, practical steps that reduce risk over time.
And when it comes to your home, radon testing is one of the most important steps because radon is invisible, testing is straightforward, and action can make a real difference in long-term lung health.
For a deeper guide and next steps, visit: National Radon Action Month: Why Testing Matters.
Test My Home!
Professional radon testing is the first step to making your home a safe place to breathe.
