Placer County residents are encouraged to take part in a weeklong cancer prevention campaign following the Board of Supervisors’ declaration of February 4 as Cancer Prevention Day. County health officials will share information on ways to reduce cancer risk, including a free webinar focused on skin cancer. The effort comes as Placer County ranks fifth in California for melanoma rates, as per the county's announcement.
The campaign, running from February 1-7, aims to educate and inspire healthier lifestyle choices through a series of educational posts on social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram. Each day zeroes in on one of the cancers that has taken a firm grip on the county, including the likes of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer. Skin cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Despite ongoing prevention and education efforts, the central goal stays unchanged: raise awareness and emphasize prevention by detecting cancer early or preventing it altogether.
"Prevention isn’t always easy because the benefits may not be felt right away,” according to Cancer Prevention Program Coordinator Ashley Pen.Penn’s perspective offers a clear-eyed view of the challenges while underscoring the importance of awareness. By turning often-overlooked issues into practical information, the effort aims to equip the community with the tools needed to reduce cancer risk and take a more proactive approach to their health, as noted by the county's website.
Action is also part of the effort. A free virtual seminar focused on skin cancer prevention is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, at 6:00 p.m. With Placer County reporting one of the higher melanoma rates in the state, learning how to recognize warning signs and protect against sun exposure is critical. Residents can register online for the webinar. Those unable to attend, or seeking more information, can visit the Cancer Prevention Program’s website for additional resources and to sign up for its newsletter.
