Cancer Prevention Works: COVID-19 and Tips to Stay Healthy this Summer

July 2020

News to Know About COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to affect many areas of the country. Summer, a popular time for travel, may be different than what you planned because of risks related to COVID-19. Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. If you plan to travel, there are ways to protect yourself and others during your trip. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Keep a safe distance and wear a cloth face covering in public to lower your risk of getting sick and help slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about travel considerations and COVID-19.

Health Checkups and Cancer Screenings During a Pandemic

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the way we work, connect with family and friends, and shop for essentials is different. Getting wellness checkups and cancer screenings is also different, but still important. Dr. Lisa Richardson, Director of CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, shares a new blog about her experience of getting a routine checkup and cancer screening during this pandemic. “Although I knew that going to see my health care provider would be different from normal, it was the best decision for me to go and take care of myself,” says Dr. Richardson.

Talking with your doctor about your health is an important first step to help you decide what’s best for you when it’s time for routine checkups and cancer screenings.

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Tips for a Healthy Summer and Reducing Your Cancer Risk

Summer is known for sunshine and outdoor activities. As you find ways to enjoy the summer, you can stay healthy and lower your risk of cancer. Protecting your skin is a good place to start. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in just 15 minutes. One way to help lower your risk of skin cancer is to use broad spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher before you go outside for any activity.

Activities such as hiking, riding a bike, and going to the park are good ways to include physical activity into your summer plans. Regular physical activity can help you get to and keep a healthy weight and lower the risk of many types of cancer. A balanced healthy eating plan can also help you manage your weight. Include fruits and vegetables with your favorite summertime outdoor meals to make healthy eating easier for you.

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Creative Approaches Help Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening

Communities across the country are finding ways to get more people screened for colorectal cancer, a leading cause of cancer death. CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) works with state, university, and tribal health systems to increase screening among people ages 50 to 75. The CRCCP helps program awardees put screening strategies in action to reach communities most affected and in need. Many program awardees have found a variety of innovative ways to increase colorectal cancer screening rates in their communities.

Florida and Kentucky used patient navigation to help patients understand the health care system and overcome barriers. Maryland, South Carolina, Alabama, and New Hampshire were able to improve screening uptake by reminding providers when patients were due for screenings. Learn more about community efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening.

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Research Spotlight

Costs and Resources Used by Population-based Cancer Registries in the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands studies the costs and factors affecting the operations and efficiency of population-based cancer registries in the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands. This study provides activity-based cost data that can help guide cancer control initiatives and improve registry operations. Cancer-related mortality in the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands, 2008–2013 is the first report of cancer-related deaths in the USAPI using cancer registry data. These data can help bring focus to risk factor reduction and early detection to reduce cancer-related deaths and improve quality of life after a cancer diagnosis.