National Cancer Prevention Month takes place in February. February 2 is National Cancer Prevention Day, and February 4 is World Cancer Day, an annual event promoted by the Union for International Cancer Control.

National Cancer Prevention Month is aimed at uniting the world’s population in the global fight against cancer. These observations and initiatives serve to increase awareness and empower individuals to live healthier lives. According to a study conducted by the American Cancer Society, at least 42% of newly diagnosed cancers in the US, which translates to about 750,000 cases in 2020, are potentially avoidable. This includes the 19% of all cancers that are caused by smoking and the 18% caused by a combination of excess body weight, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity.