Cancer Prevention | Student Health and Wellness

Cancer among college students is a relatively rare event, but certain self care actions can be important for preventing cancer later in life. Most of the cancer types discussed below develop over time in association with a continued risk exposure or activity. The time for prevention is now, but the time of negative impact is potentially decades in the future.

Knowing your own body and paying attention to it is an important kind of self-care. There do exist some rare, and usually very treatable, cancers that can occur in young people, especially lymphoma and testicular cancer. These cancers are often diagnosed after a person notices some change in the way their body usually is. Unusual and/or painful swelling, lumps or bumps that last weeks, big and persistent decreases in energy, night sweats, or other intrusive, persistent changes in your usual state of health should prompt you to seek evaluation at Student Health and Wellness or with another trusted medical provider.

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Cervical Cancer
- Individuals with a cervix should begin regular cervical cancer screenings, usually a Pap test, starting at age 21.
Breast Cancer
- Discuss your family history with a healthcare provider; some individuals are candidates for genetic counseling.
- Average-risk individuals should begin discussing screening options with their provider around age 40, though testing may start later.
Colorectal Cancer
- Screening for colorectal cancer should start at age 45 for those at average risk. Higher-risk individuals may need to begin earlier.
Prostate Cancer
- Average-risk individuals with a prostate should discuss screening strategies with their healthcare provider starting at age 50.
Lung Cancer
- Individuals who have ever smoked or vaped should talk with their provider about lung cancer screening options.
Skin Cancer/Melanoma
- Discuss your family history with a healthcare provider and if you have had a lot of sun exposure.

Dealing with a medical condition can be accompanied by additional stressors. For those dealing with cancer, mental health support is a valuable resource, both for the person diagnosed and their loved ones. From personal experience or observing others, the emotional and psychological toll that cancer can take is often underestimated, yet it can be just as overwhelming as the physical challenges. Cancer disrupts not only the body but also the mind, triggering feelings such as anxiety, depression, fear, and isolation.

For the person diagnosed with cancer, mental health support can provide a safe space to process these emotions, build resilience, and maintain a sense of control over their journey. Support groups, therapy, or simply having someone to talk to can be incredibly comforting during such a difficult time. It helps to manage the stress of appointments, treatments, and the uncertainty of the future.

For caregivers and loved ones, mental health support is equally important. They often experience a range of emotions, including helplessness, grief, and burnout. Having someone to help navigate these feelings can mitigate emotional exhaustion and enable them to be a better support system for their loved one.

Mental health support is about addressing the issue and about nurturing the mind and spirit during a physically demanding and emotionally taxing time. It helps people find hope, comfort, and coping strategies, making this difficult journey more bearable.

If you are seeking mental health support, contact Student Health and Wellness at 860-486-4700 to connect with the mental health team. If you are in need of more immediate support, contact the 24/7/365 mental health support line at 833-308-3040.

Preventing prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can greatly reduce your risk of developing certain types of skin cancer. You can limit sun overexposure by wearing wide-brim hats and skin-covering clothing for periods of extended time outdoors. Sunscreen can also serve as an important barrier against UV light damage.

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Avoiding smoking or vaping, or getting help to cut back or quit, can greatly reduce your risk of certain types of lung cancer and head and neck cancers, in addition to heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular complications.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of quitting vaping.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of tobacco cessation.
Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our free Nurse Coaches that specialize in helping students wishing to cut back or quit tobacco/vaping.
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Eating a diet that is lower in red meat and higher in whole grains and fiber can reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Click here to learn more about our free Nutrition Counseling services and resources and how to schedule a free 1 on 1 nutrition consultation.

Keeping a healthy weight is important, too. Being overweight or having obesity is a risk factor for a variety of types of cancer.

Click here to learn about our Physical Activity Counseling services and how to schedule a free 1 on 1 consultation.

Knowing your family history can help you focus your prevention and awareness efforts. As a general rule, history in first-degree relatives (parents, sisters, brothers) is the most predictive. We usually will ask about any diagnoses that immediate family members have. This can be a valuable conversation with parents and family members as you take over more responsibility for your own health.