Take four important steps toward reducing risk of cancer

Check Yourself

Jillian Michaels

I'm usually all about taking off pounds and toning up muscle, but let's talk for a minute about taking care of what's underneath that outer layer. Did you know that half of the cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented with a healthy lifestyle and diet and regular exercise? That adds up to a total of 280,000 lives saved per year. What's more shocking is that 47 percent of adults believe they have no control over reducing their risk of getting cancer. So listen up, people!

Last week the American Cancer Society launched The Great American Health Challenge, a new campaign that asks Americans to take four important steps toward significantly reducing their risk of cancer: Check, Move, Nourish, and Quit. In other words: Get regular cancer screenings, maintain an active lifestyle, follow a healthy diet, and quit smoking. Yup -- it's that simple.

The first step toward preventing cancer is finding out which screening tests are appropriate for your age, gender, and family history and discussing them with your doctor. Screenings can detect cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage -- not to mention put your mind at ease. The ACS is offering The Great American Health Check, an online tool you can use to determine what steps you should take to prevent cancer at your particular stage in life.

JILLIAN'S TIP OF THE DAY
Why I'm Working With the ACS
My life has been greatly impacted by this disease -- I lost three grandparents to lung cancer. For this reason, I want to do anything I can to educate Americans about how they can reduce their cancer risk and improve their overall health -- so they can enjoy as many precious years with their family and loved ones as possible. This cause is very personal to me, and that's why I've joined The American Cancer Society in the fight to prevent other unnecessary cancer deaths. I hope you'll all join me and the ACS in taking the Great American Health Challenge, and spread the word to your family and friends! -- Jillian Michaels