The interview, which aired during National Cancer Prevention Month, addressed cancer trends among Hispanics, the impact of health disparities, and practical steps families can take to improve their well-being. 

Dr. St. George emphasized that regular screenings can improve survival rates by detecting cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.

“It’s critical to visit your doctor and stay up to date with Pap smears, mammograms, and colonoscopies,” she said. “These tests provide access to the best possible treatments, helping individuals live longer and healthier lives.”

Practical Steps to Reduce Cancer Risk

Dr. St. George also highlighted lifestyle choices that can lower cancer risk, many of which are modifiable and preventable. 

“There are several things we can do,” she said. “Number one: Don’t smoke. Tobacco is one of the leading preventable causes of cancer.”

Maintaining a healthy weight is another key factor. “Many people don’t realize that obesity increases cancer risk,” she noted. “That’s why it’s important to focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy habits.” 

She recommended:

• 150 minutes of exercise per week for adults
• 60 minutes of daily activity for children
• A diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Limiting processed red meats, added sugars, and alcohol

“New guidance from the U.S. Surgeon General also suggests reducing alcohol consumption to lower cancer risk,” she added.

Dr. St. George also discussed the importance of vaccinations that prevent infections linked to cancer, suggesting families speak with their doctors about recommended immunizations. 

Sylvester’s Commitment to Cancer Prevention and Research

As South Florida's sole NCI-designated cancer center, Sylvester is renowned for its leadership in cancer research, patient care, and community engagement. Dr. St. George highlighted Sylvester’s Game Changer mobile units, which travel throughout South Florida, providing free cancer education, screening, and prevention services.

“These mobile units are an incredible resource,” she said. “They go directly into the community, making screenings and prevention more accessible to everyone.”

She also discussed Sylvester’s Avanzando Caminos study, the most extensive epidemiological study in the U.S. focused on understanding cancer progression in Hispanic survivors. “This research is critical,” she said. “We are studying financial, social, and medical factors that influence cancer outcomes to improve care for our community.”

In addition to her work in cancer prevention, Dr. St. George leads family-based interventions aimed at promoting healthy habits across generations.

“I’m passionate about working with Latino families,” she said. “One of my programs, Healthy Juntos, helps Latino parents and adolescents (ages 12-15) increase physical activity and maintain a healthy weight. Another project, Con Cariño, Abuelita, supports grandmothers who are cancer survivors—along with their daughters and daughters-in-law—to promote a legacy of health in the family.”

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on March 20, 2025.