world cancer day - what the cacc does for our community

DID YOU KNOW that 9.6 Million people die from cancer die every year from cancer?  DID YOU ALSO KNOW that up to 3.7 Million of those people could be saved each year by implementing resource appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment???  Cancer touches everyone.  Your loved ones, your friends, your next-door neighbor, no one is immune.  

Learn more about World Cancer Day and about a local resource to utilize if you or someone you know in Champaign County is battling cancer and what we can do locally to help and support those battling cancer.  
​
Also, at the bottom of this article, make sure you check out the conversation with Whitney Denson, Patients Services Director at the Cancer Association of Champaign County.

World Cancer Day, the fourth of every February is the global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control. By raising worldwide awareness, improving education, and catalyzing personal, collective and government action, we're working together to reimagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equal for all - no matter who you are or where you live.

More than one third of cancer cases can be prevented.  Another third can be cured if detected early and treated properly.  By implementing strategies on prevention, early detection and treatment, we can save up 3.7 million lives every year.  Through raising the public and political literacy and understanding around cancer, we reduce fear, increase understanding, dispel myths and misconceptions, and change behaviors and attitudes.  Here are a few strategies that YOU can implement today to reduce your risk of developing cancer:

7 Tips for Cancer Prevention from the Cancer Association of Champaign County

1. Don’t use tobacco.
   • Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer — including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix and kidney. And chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas. Even if you don't use tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke might increase your risk of lung cancer.
2. Eat a healthy diet.
   • Eating a healthy diet can’t guarantee cancer prevention, but it might help reduce your risk.  Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.  Eat lean, high-protein meats.  If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
3. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active.
   • Adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits. But for substantial health benefits, strive to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic physical activity. 
4. Protect yourself from the sun.
   • Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer — and one of the most preventable.  Avoid midday sun. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest and stay in the shade when possible.
5. Get immunized.
   • Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections like Hepatitis B and the Human Papillomavirus
6. Avoid risky behaviors.
   • Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections that, in turn, might increase the risk of cancer.
7. Get regular medical care.
   • Regular self-exams and screenings for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful.

 
The Cancer Association of Champaign County is an amazing organization that supports cancer patients in Champaign County.  Let’s take action this World Cancer Day to support the CACC by raising awareness (sharing this article), and by raising funds for research (donating on their website) so that we can make a difference!  ​

Visit cancerassociationofchampaigncounty.org to donate today!