February is National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of cancer prevention, routine screening, and early detection. As cancer rates increase among younger adults, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center is sharing advice to help people reduce their risk.
Dr. Matthew Ulrickson, an oncologist at Banner MD Anderson specializing in cellular therapy, discussed his personal approach to lowering cancer risk. “I’m a really big proponent of physical activity and suggest at least 20 to 30 minutes at a time, at least two to three times a week,” said Dr. Ulrickson. “I suggest starting from wherever you are to gradually increase as you are able. I also suggest finding at least two different types of activities that you like to do, so that you can alternate between the two either for more variety or if you need to rest a certain body part that is feeling sore to improve consistency.”
He also described his diet: regular vegetables; lean proteins such as chicken and fish; whole grains and fruits; while limiting ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened drinks.
Skin cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the United States and is often related to sun exposure. In Arizona, UV rays from the sun and tanning beds can damage skin cells and cause cancer. Dr. Ulrickson noted he uses lotion with SPF 30 or higher daily—even on cloudy days—to lower his own skin cancer risk.
“A daily lotion with SPF is an easy way to get some protection,” said Dr. Ulrickson. “When I am going to be out longer in the sun, especially during the peak hours between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., I suggest adding a hat, longer sleeves that have SPF protection and finding shade when you can.”
Tobacco use is a leading cause of lung, mouth, throat, and bladder cancers. Dr. Ulrickson emphasized avoiding tobacco as essential for reducing risk.
“If you’re trying to find a way to quit, keep at it,” said Dr. Ulrickson. “A lot of times, it takes three or four attempts to finally be successful. Even if you don’t get off entirely, less is still better than not attempting to cut down at all.”
He recommends quitting with medication and counseling support. The National Institutes of Health Quitline offers counseling at 1-800-784-8669 or by texting QUIT to 47848; more information is available at www.SmokeFree.gov.
Dr. Ulrickson also stated that he and his family stay current with vaccinations that prevent certain cancers as well as recommended screenings which help detect cancer earlier when outcomes are typically better.
“You don’t need to remember yourself when various screenings should start if you establish care with a primary care provider,” he said. “Even if you are healthy, I encourage us all to get a PCP in our 30-40s to optimize prevention and screening.”
Recommended vaccines include HPV vaccination for people ages 9–26 (with possible benefit up through age 45), which helps prevent several types of cancers including cervical and some head and neck cancers.
Screening guidelines mentioned by Dr. Ulrickson include:
– Colon cancer: Start screening at age 45 for those at average risk.
– Breast cancer: Risk assessment by age 25; clinical breast exams every one-to-three years from ages 25–39; annual mammograms starting at age 40.
– Cervical cancer: Pap test every three years beginning at age 21 or HPV test every five years starting at age 25.
– Prostate cancer: Men should discuss PSA testing between ages 45–50; Black men or those with increased risk may begin earlier.
While not all cancers can be prevented, Dr. Ulrickson explained that these steps can help individuals feel healthier and more in control.
“On behalf of people that have been diagnosed with cancer it is important to point out that there is no perfect way to prevent every cancer,” said Dr. Ulrickson. “For many people diagnosed with cancer, it’s not because they did something wrong and it is not their fault. But there are important things that we can do to help lower some of our risk.”
Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center operates through a partnership between Banner Health—a nonprofit health system—and MD Anderson Cancer Center offering disease-specific expertise in medical, radiation, surgical management as well as access to clinical trials and new therapies.
Banner Health provides substantial community benefits through its nonprofit activities according to its official website. The organization operates facilities across multiple states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming (source). It ranks among the largest nonprofit health systems nationally (source) and aims to simplify health care for improved quality of life (source).
More information about lowering cancer risk can be found on the Banner MD Anderson website.
