Virginia's Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (VACCCP) works with community and other state agency partners to promote cancer prevention behaviors. While many factors influence cancer risk, there are many different ways to help prevent cancer. They include, but are not limited to:
- Avoiding or controlling things known to cause cancer
- Changing diet and lifestyle
Individuals can lower their risk of developing many common kinds of cancer by making healthy choices. Cancer risk factors include:
- Cigarette smoking and tobacco use
- Infections
- Radiation Exposure
- Immunosuppressive medications after organ transplant
- Diet
- Alcohol
- Actividad física
- Obesidad
- Diabetes
- Environmental factors
See below to learn more about the efforts of VACCCP and its partners to prevent cancer in Virginia.
VACCCP and the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia (CACV) have partnered with the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society (VRPS) sites across the state. They distribute resources to protect Virginians.
- Sunscreen dispensers,
- Sunscreen refills
- Educational posters
- Sample sun safety policy guidance for parks and recreation settings.
Read about our impact on parks and recreation organizations here.
Sun Safety behaviors can be introduced among school-aged children to establish protective sun safety habits. See a testimonial from Buena Vista City Public Schools on implementing school sun safety initiatives here.The Sun Safety in Schools Toolkit helps Virginia school districts implement sun safety initiatives throughout their schools. The toolkit includes steps to address sun safety through policy, environmental, education, and family focused changes. The toolkit also has resources for school districts. These include:
- Sample communication letters for parents and guardians in English and Spanish
- A sun safety one-pager in English and Spanish
- Sample language for school policy
- An elementary school poster in English and Spanish
- An opt-out form for school-provided sunscreen in English and Spanish
Infection with certain strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to cancer. Most common forms of HPV cancers in women include cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. Most common forms of cancer in men include the penis, throat, and anus. About 85% of people will become infected with HPV in their lifetime. Most HPV infections will clear on their own. However, persistent infections can develop into cancer.
The HPV vaccine is the best way to prevent HPV infection. The vaccine is recommended for females and males starting at ages 11 to 12, or as early as 9. The HPV vaccine is also recommended through 26 years of age. It's for individuals who did not start or finish the series earlier on. Individuals 27-45 are encouraged to speak with their doctor about whether the vaccine is appropriate for them.
Healthcare providers enrolled in the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program can offer the HPV vaccine to children of families who are unable to pay for the vaccine. A VVFC provider can be found by zip code here.
Tobacco use increases the risk of many cancers. Quit Now Virginia is a free service that helps Virginians quit smoking and using tobacco.
Breathing air with high radon levels for a long time raises the risk of lung cancer. This risk is even higher for smokers. VDH’s Indoor Radon Program offers a low-cost radon test for Virginia residents.