February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Join the ranks of heroes making a difference by lacing up your sneakers and racing against cancer. Together, we can find a cure!
In the fight against cancer, every step counts. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are about 18 million cancer survivors in the US right now, thanks to forward strides in prevention, detection, and treatments. However, more than 620,000 Americans are currently living with breast, prostate, lung, colorectal/bladder cancer, or melanoma. More than 80,000 cancer diagnoses are predicted for this year. It’s a reminder that cancer continues to impact our lives, and the need for awareness, advocacy, and action is more critical than ever.
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, making it a great time to evaluate how to reduce your cancer risk. Your daily habits and lifestyle choices make a difference. Here are a few proactive steps that increase your chances of keeping cancer away:
- Avoid Smoking: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths. Quit smoking and chewing tobacco to significantly lower your risk of developing lung, throat, and mouth cancers. Cessation programs are available to help you kick the habit, so don’t hesitate to seek assistance.
- Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: Obesity is linked to various cancers, so monitoring your weight through a balanced diet is important. Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while reducing your intake of processed foods and sugary beverages.
- Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens your immune system, and enhances your overall wellness, which can reduce your cancer risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises.
- Limit Excessive Sun Exposure: Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is critical to preventing skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and finding shade when you’re outside can help reduce sun exposure. Add regular skin checks to your annual list of exams to help with early detection of any unusual changes.
Take Steps in the Fight Against Cancer
If cancer has sidelined you or someone you love, joining the race to find a cure may help transform your pain into purpose. Hundreds of public health and non-profit organizations sponsor marathons, runs, and walks across the country, making it easy to find one that’s meaningful to you and get moving.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting back to it, your participation can inspire hope and save lives. You can amplify your impact by bringing your squadron on board – the more boots on the ground, the better! A display of military support is always welcome. Nothing lifts civilian spirits more than a troop of camo-clad soldiers carrying the American flag and shouting jodies along a race route. You’ll fit right in among the other creatively costumed teams cruising toward the finish line. Each race has its own unique vibe.
These events raise awareness, generate funds, celebrate cancer survivors, and honor those who have lost their battles. They often provide the space for participants to share personal stories and experiences. Talking about the journey with cancer can create bonds among those affected by the disease, their families, and their communities. Every step you take brings us closer to a world where cancer isn’t the end. You’ll contribute to a meaningful cause while enhancing your own health and well-being. And of course, you’ll walk away with some great swag, fun memories, and bragging rights.
Are You Ready to Run?
Here are a few cancer-fighting foundations and organizations hosting marathons, runs, and walks during the first half of 2025. You can join these races as an individual or form a team. A quick online search can also connect you with races sponsored by non-profits, hospitals, and cancer organizations in your local area.
Remember to check IHG® Army Hotels if you’re looking for a place to rest, relax, and recharge. We always enjoy being part of your team.
Whatever cause you choose, make it your year to make a difference.
Events & Purpose
American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life: provide advocacy, research, and patient support, to help people prevent, detect, treat, and survive all types of cancer.
American Lung Association Lung Force Walks and Runs: improve lung health and prevent lung cancer through education, advocacy, and research.
Cancer Research Institute Marathons: fuel the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all cancers.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® Light the Night Walks: help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
John Wayne Cancer Foundation’s Run the Grit Series: Advance the fight against cancer through pioneering research and programs.
St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer: Lead the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Let’s outrun cancer and cross the finish line to a cure together.
Rest Easy is the owner, design-builder, asset manager, and the exclusive developer for the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolio, the Department of Defense’s only lodging privatization program. IHG Hotels & Resorts is the hotel operator and manager of IHG Army Hotels.