Health District Offers Cancer Risk Reduction Tips

VA Dept of Health Newsroom

Published February 12th, 2026

Detected February 14th, 2026

Summary

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District has issued guidance on cancer risk reduction tips in observance of National Cancer Prevention Month. The notice outlines lifestyle choices and screening recommendations to help residents lower their risk of developing cancer.

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What changed

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District has released a notice providing tips for cancer risk reduction, coinciding with National Cancer Prevention Month. The guidance emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle choices such as avoiding tobacco, eating well, staying active, sun protection, and HPV vaccination, alongside regular cancer screenings. It highlights that three of the top four cancers diagnosed in Virginia are linked to modifiable habits.

This notice serves as an informational resource for the public and healthcare providers. While it does not impose new regulatory requirements or deadlines, it encourages community members to adopt preventative health behaviors and consult with healthcare providers regarding personal cancer risks and recommended screenings. The Virginia Department of Health's Cancer Prevention and Control Program is also mentioned as a resource for further information.

Source document (simplified)

February 12, 2026
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Offers Tips to Help Reduce Cancer Risks February is National Cancer Prevention Month

WARRENTON, Va. – The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District is dedicated to protecting the health of its residents by promoting healthy lifestyle choices that serve to combat chronic diseases like cancer. Three of the top four cancers diagnosed in Virginia (breast, lung, and colorectal) are linked to habits that could be modified or steps that could be taken to help prevent the disease.

In honor of National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District wants to remind you of the importance of regular screenings to recognize early warning signs of cancer and understanding lifestyle-related risk factors.

“Cancer prevention starts with everyday choices that support healthy living,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “During National Cancer Prevention Month, we encourage our community to reduce risk by staying active, eating well, avoiding tobacco, and staying up to date on recommended screenings, because prevention is the best protection.”

Cancer affects one in three people in the United States. While cancer is not entirely preventable, you can reduce your risk by making healthy choices. Practice these common behaviors to help prevent cancer:

Avoid Tobacco: For the first step in living tobacco free, visit Quit Now Virginia.
Eat Healthy Foods: Healthy eating emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein.
Get Active: Physical activity is one of the best things Virginians can do for their health and well-being.
Be Safe in the Sun: Take precautions to protect your skin from the sun.
Protect against HPV: The best way to prevent the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine.
Know Your Cancer Risk: Talk with your healthcare provider to determine your cancer risks and make sure you get regular cancer screenings. Breast cancer screening (mammograms), colorectal or prostate cancer screening (e.g., colonoscopies or PSA tests) are provided at the UVA hospital: the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District offers Cervical cancer screening (Pap/HPV tests). The Virginia Department of Health’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program (VACCP) focuses on reducing the incidence, morbidity and mortality of all cancers through prevention, early detection, treatment, and rehabilitation.