COLORADO – February 7, 2025 – At Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC), we know that completely preventing cancer is impossible, but that life-long habits and healthy practices can greatly reduce the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis. Since 2014, February has been observed as National Cancer Prevention Month in the U.S., and the expert physicians at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC), with more than a century of collective experience delivering world-class cancer care, want to promote healthy habits and encourage everyone to take steps to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

Our physicians are proud to share their Top Ten Cancer Prevention Tips – dos and don’ts that can help everybody take action to lower the risk of developing cancer – starting today.

DON’T smoke, chew tobacco, or use tobacco products. These can increase the risk of virtually every type of cancer, including lung, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, and breast cancers. If you are a tobacco user, quit immediately.

DO minimize alcohol. Drinking even two alcoholic beverages per week can increase the risk of breast and pancreatic cancers.

DON’T skip the sunblock. Wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 daily, use protective clothing, and avoid long-term exposure to direct sunlight. Every type of skin cancer is caused by unprotected skin exposure.

“This includes tanning beds and other indoor tanning techniques that expose skin to ultraviolet light and radiation,” said Dr. Manojkumar Bupathi, Medical Oncologist and RMCC Practice President. “Indoor tanning significantly increases the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. It’s strongly recommended that people opt for self-tanners instead, and of course, daily use of sunscreen and protective clothing, as well as avoiding excessive sun exposure.”

DO maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases the risk of multiple types of cancer, especially breast cancer. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and grains, and limit red meat, grilled or smoked foods, and processed foods. Exercising regularly – at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

DON’T skip checkups and screenings. Even if you feel fine, regular check-ups and screenings are key to early detection and better outcomes. Follow recommended cancer screenings for breast, colon, prostate, and cervical cancer based on your age and risk factors. Early detection can be lifesaving.

“The most important message we can give everyone is: Don’t skip. As the world recovers from the global pandemic, many studies have shown that there have been severe declines in regular screenings and checkups, which can have devastating consequences in the long-term,” said. Dr. Gerlinde Tynan, Breast Surgeon Oncologist for RMCC. “For example, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women nationwide, representing nearly 25 percent of all cancer diagnoses in women. Screenings and checkups are opportunities to catch breast cancers early, before they have progressed, allowing for better outcomes and recovery.”

DO manage stress and get plenty of rest. Chronic stress and lack of sleep weaken the immune system, can cause inflammation, and can lead to other health problems. Mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and good sleep hygiene can improve resilience and strengthen your emotional and mental health.

DON’T ignore anything that doesn’t seem right or “normal.” Chronic headaches or pain anywhere in the body, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, lumps, changes in skin or bowel habits, can all be signs of cancer. Always see a doctor if something feels off.

DON’T fall for misinformation. Beware of unproven “miracle cures” like extreme diets, supplements, or treatments without board-certified and evidence-based results. Do educate yourself and others, spread awareness, and share information on screenings and early warning signs with your family, friends, and your community.

DO ask for help and seek support. A cancer diagnosis or caring for someone with cancer can be overwhelming. Whether it’s from a doctor, caregivers, or a support group, getting help makes a difference in treatment and recovery. Connecting with cancer support groups, mental health professionals, and close friends or family can help navigate the emotional and mental impacts of cancer.

DON’T assume it won’t happen to you. Cancer can affect anyone, even those with overall good health and no family history. Prevention and awareness apply to everyone. Studies have shown that up to 50 percent of cancer cases and deaths are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and early detection.

RMCC is part of The U.S. Oncology Network, a highly respected national organization collaborating to advance innovative care and deliver optimal outcomes. As Colorado’s leader in cancer treatment, we’ve been delivering world-class cancer care with compassion and expertise for more than 30 years, and we make our patients’ lives easier by offering coordinated care access in 19 locations throughout Colorado. So, if you find yourself facing new challenges in your health journey, we’ll be on your side, empowering Your Courage with Our Proven Experience.

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Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) is an independent, physician-led practice that delivers leading-edge technology and treatment options and conducts innovative research. For more than 30 years, RMCC has pioneered community-based care to enable more cancer patients to receive high-quality treatment while staying close to the support of family and friends.

Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers treats more adult cancer than any other healthcare organization in Colorado, providing 19 locations and a network of 54 physicians specializing in cancer care throughout the state. RMCC is collectively focused on treating cancer and blood disorders with advanced technology and innovative research no matter where you live, while taking a community-based approach of integrated subspecialty oncology care. This enables patients to access leading-edge treatment while living at home and receiving the critical support of family and friends.

Patients who are treated at RMCC can participate in some of the most promising national clinical trials for a broad range of cancers. RMCC has played a role in the development of more than 100 FDA-approved cancer-fighting drugs – about one-third of cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. At any given time, more than 150 national clinical trials are open throughout The Network.

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