Cancer Awareness

By Denise DeWitt HERWriter

Rate This

Photo: Getty Images

The phrase “cancer awareness” means different things to different people. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, you have become aware of one aspect of the disease in a very personal way, which is natural to want to share that knowledge with others.

Researchers and doctors who know certain behaviors can promote or hinder cancer development are motivated to raise cancer awareness to help people stay healthy.

Research has shown that early detection and treatment provide the best chance to control, and possibly eliminate, diseases such as cancer. Some examples include encouraging women to get annual Pap tests to check for cervical cancer, and mammograms to screen for breast cancer.

Similarly, men are encouraged to get annual prostate exams. Doctors who encourage their patients to have these tests are trying to advance cancer awareness to reduce the number of people who will be diagnosed with cancer each year.

National and international organizations work together to promote cancer awareness on specific days each year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information about many cancer awareness special events and monthly designations. The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) marks February 4 as World Cancer Day each year. UICC encourages groups and supporters around the world to host events to promote awareness of cancer on that date.

November 17, 2011 is The American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout – a day to educate smokers and encourage them to quit smoking in an effort to avoid lung cancer.

Many organizations including the American Cancer Society work to extend cancer awareness as well raise money to fund cancer research. The organization lists volunteer opportunities and accepts donations on its website.

The National Cancer Institute website lists research projects that are under way as well as opportunities for grants to fund research.

If you or someone you love has had cancer, you may want to raise awareness for that particular type of cancer. Colored ribbons are recognized by many as symbols of particular illnesses. The ribbons are available in many forms including pins, decals, and magnets. Choosehope.com is one of many companies that offer cancer awareness items with part of the proceeds going to fund cancer research. This website also features a list of cancer awareness ribbon colors which can be used to make others more aware of cancer and the need to find a cure.

Sources:
American Cancer Society. Home. Web. November 9, 2011.
http://www.cancer.org/

National Cancer Institute. Research and Funding. Web. November 9, 2011.
http://cancer.gov/researchandfunding

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Home. Web. November 9, 2011.
http://www.cdc.gov/

WorldCancerDay.org. Cancer Can Be Prevented. Web. November 9, 2011.
http://www.worldcancerday.org/

ChooseHope.com. Home. Web. November 9, 2011.
http://www.choosehope.com/

Reviewed November 11, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Malu Banuelos

Geraldine Ferraro: Her Remarkable Legacy as a Patient Advocate

14 Cancer Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Talcum Powder Linked to Uterine Cancer

Does Skin Cancer Itch?

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Denise DeWitt HERWriter View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.