At Huntsman Cancer Institute, we help people reduce their risk of cancer and detect cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Screening tests can find cancer before symptoms appear, and healthy lifestyle choices can help lower your chances of developing cancer.
Together, screening and prevention are powerful tools that can help protect your health.
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.
Recommended Cancer Screenings
Breast Cancer
- Age 20–39: Clinical breast exam every year
- Age 40+: Clinical breast exam every year and mammogram every year
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
Colon & Rectal Cancer
- Age 45+: Colonoscopy every 10 years or stool-based test (Fecal Immunochemical Test or Fecal Occult Blood Test) every year
Head & Neck Cancer
- Age 18+: Talk to your doctor about screening for cancers of the head, neck, mouth, throat, thyroid, and sinus.
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
Prostate Cancer
- Age 45+: Talk with your doctor about screening options such as a prostate-specific antigen blood test and digital rectal exam.
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.
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
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
