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Screening and Prevention

What Is Cancer Screening?

Cancer screening is testing for cancer or conditions that may lead to cancer before symptoms appear. Screening is usually done when you are healthy and can detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective.  

Talk with your doctor about which screenings are right for you based on the following criteria:

  • Age
  • Sex
  • Family history
  • Smoking history

Many cancer screening tests are covered by insurance under the Affordable Care Act.  

 

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Breast Cancer

  • Age 20–39: Clinical breast exam every year
  • Age 40+: Clinical breast exam every year and mammogram every year
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Cervical Cancer

  • Age 21–29: Pap test every 3 years
  • Age 30+: Pap test every three years or Pap/Human papillomavirus (HPV) test every 5 years  
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Colon & Rectal Cancer

  • Age 45+: Colonoscopy every 10 years or stool-based test (Fecal Immunochemical Test or Fecal Occult Blood Test) every year  
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Head & Neck Cancer

  • Age 18+: Talk to your doctor about screening for cancers of the head, neck, mouth, throat, thyroid, and sinus.
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Lung Cancer

  • Age 50+ current or former smokers: Annual low-dose CT scan if you currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years and have a history of heavy smoking
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Prostate Cancer

  • Age 45+: Talk with your doctor about screening options such as a prostate-specific antigen blood test and digital rectal exam.  
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Skin Cancer

  • Age 18+: Talk with your doctor about screening. People with many moles may benefit from mole mapping to monitor changes in the skin. 
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Cancer Screening Vouchers

Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah Health are committed to helping those who have low incomes and limited or no insurance coverage gain access to timely screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers.

What Is Cancer Prevention?

Cancer prevention refers to actions you can take to lower your risk of developing cancer. Research suggests that healthy lifestyle choices may help prevent about 50% of all cancers.

Prevention focuses on reducing risk factors and supporting overall health.


Ways to Lower Your Cancer Risk

Avoid tobacco. Tobacco is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Avoiding tobacco—or quitting if you currently use it—can significantly reduce your cancer risk.

Eat healthy foods. Eating a variety of plant-based foods and maintaining a balanced diet helps support your immune system and overall health.

Practice sun safety. Everyone is at risk for skin cancer. Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and watch for changes in moles or skin spots.

Be physically active. Regular physical activity helps lower inflammation, maintain a healthy weight, and support overall health. These benefits may reduce cancer risk.

Get vaccinated. Vaccines can help prevent certain cancers by protecting against HPV and hepatitis B.

Test your home for radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco. Testing your home is the only way to know if radon levels are elevated.

Understanding Cancer Risk Factors

Some factors increase a person’s chances of developing cancer.

Some cancer risk factors are within your control:

  • Tobacco use
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Diet and weight
  • Sun exposure
  • Certain infections

Some cancer risk factors are out of your control:

  • Age
  • Family history
  • Environmental exposures
  • Chronic inflammation