Today’s Mission – Cancer Awareness
There is a lot of talk these days about cancer awareness and groups all over the nation hope to encourage people to face themselves after the storm that can be caused by cancer. The effort is so that during the quiet aftermath there can still remain hope.
Cancer is still one of the leading killer diseases in the United States. Lung cancer alone is reported to be responsible for approximately 500,000 deaths a year. According to the American Cancer Society, despite advances in technology and medicine, cancer still remains a disease that touches at least two households in every five.
For Stacy Martin of Aberdeen cancer has been a fact of life within her family for five years.
“I was shocked to discover that I had it,” Stacy said. “I remember sitting down on the bathroom floor and crying. I just knew that it meant that I was going to die. Now I realize that having cancer doesn’t necessarily mean that you are going to die.”
Stacy is now a breast cancer survivor and encourages her family and friends to get yearly check ups.
“I found a lump in my breast by accident when I should have been checking all along,” Stacy said. “Knowing what checking is all about and being aware of the danger is half the battle. People have to know the risks. Knowing your history is one of the first steps. Had I known that my aunt had breast cancer I might have been more prepared for the possibility of my getting it.”
According to the American Cancer Society there are many risk factors that can enhance your chances of developing some form of cancer. The following are a few things to consider;
Tobacco – Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the US. Lung cancer is not the only cancer that smoking is attributed to either, bladder and kidney cancer can be caused by smoking also.
Alcohol – Cancer related to alcohol consumption is responsible for 6.5 percent of all cancer deaths. The risk of esophageal cancer is 11-18 times higher for drinkers.
Sunlight – Skin cancer began to increase significantly during the 1950’s. Skin cancer accounts for 39 percent of all cancers diagnosed.
Diet – Science is beginning to make the connection between diet and certain types of cancer. Carcinogens are known to be present in foods that are preserved. Carcinogens are believed to be key in the development of stomach cancer.
More and more cancer is becoming a disease that many families are being faced with. Fighting this disease begins with an awareness of the types of cancers a person may be more at risk to develop, it is here the need for awareness is most great. Locally there are many resources to help both men and women seek testing and treatment on a cancer diagnosis. There are also support groups such as Reach for Recovery through the Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen. Whatever your situation, whether you are just becoming aware of a possible cancer threat within your family history or if you just are concerned and would like to ask questions, don’t hesitate to look for answers. The first step in combating this terrible disease is awareness of what it is and what you can do to cut your risk in developing it.
