The month of September encompasses a variety of great advocacy events dedicated to raising awareness for many types of cancers. Learn about the awareness events happening this month and how you can join the movement and make an impact!
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know prostate cancer affects more than 3 million men every year [i]? Although prostate cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer related deaths among men, early detection including screening can improve the treatment of prostate cancer [ii]. How can you help raise awareness of prostate cancer and educate others on the importance of screening and preventative efforts?
1. Educate yourself and others on the risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer by using the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Prostate Cancer Patient Guide [i].
2. Watch the Center for Disease Control’s video to learn about prostate cancer screening options [iii].
3. Use the American Cancer Society’s Screening Guide to help inform others about the appropriate time to get screened for prostate cancer as well as other cancers [iv].
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood cancer encompasses a variety of cancers. In the United States, childhood cancer is the leading cause of childhood deaths related to disease [v]. Childhood cancer awareness month is a movement that aims to raise funds for and increase the awareness of those fighting childhood cancer [vi]. How can you get involved, help raise awareness, and support those affected by childhood cancer?
1. One of the best ways to spread awareness is to get others involved. Host an event by registering to take part in one of the American Childhood Cancer Organization’s awareness events [vi].
2. Want to show your support? Read this list of 5 tips for how to support a family facing cancer [vii].
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Due to its lack of symptoms and the importance of early detection, awareness efforts for ovarian cancer can make a large impact. Each year, ovarian cancer accounts for the highest number of deaths among cancers of the female reproductive system [viii]. Learn about early detection and spread the word during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
1. Raise awareness using social media. Use the hashtag #KnowOvarian to share your story and educate others about ovarian cancer [ix].
2. Learn more about early awareness efforts including the symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer on the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s website [ix].
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
Gynecologic cancer includes cancers that affect the reproductive tract such as cervical cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer and ovarian cancer. Gynecologic cancer affects many women in the United States with close to 98,000 women being diagnosed each year [x]. Gynecologic cancer awareness month aims to increase awareness and early detection of these cancers. How can you get involved?
1. Educate yourself on the treatment, prevention and detection of gynecologic cancers by listening to the Gynecological Health Awareness Month podcast [x].
2. Download the Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month toolkit to learn more about gynecologic cancers, signs and early detection tips [xi].
Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
Among the many advocacy events in September, this month is dedicated to raising awareness of blood cancers. Leukemia and lymphoma are types of cancers that affect the bone marrow, blood cells and lymphatic system [xii]. These cancers were estimated to account for close to 10% of new cancer cases in the United States in 2016 [xiii]. Awareness efforts aim to increase the education of risk factors, early detection and the treatment of blood cancers.
1. Know the risk factors. Educate yourself on the risk factors for Leukemia and Lymphoma and learn how to prevent known risk factors [xiii].
2. Get involved by participating in an event. Check out the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Fundraising Programs to find out how you can join an event [xiv].
3. Want to learn more about blood cancer? Download an information booklet from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s website [xiv].
References
[i] September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://www.pcf.org/blue/
[ii] Prostate Cancer Awareness Week. Retrieved from: https://www.prostateconditions.org/get-involved/events/111-prostate-cancer-awareness-week
[iii] Prostate Cancer Awareness. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/prostatecancer/index.htm
[iv] Prostate Cancer Awareness 2019. Retrieved from: https://contentsubscription.cancer.org/prostate-cancer-awareness.html
[v] Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Ten Facts You Needs to Know. Retrieved from: https://www.alexslemonade.org/blog/2017/09/childhood-cancer-awareness-month-ten-facts-you-need-know
[vi] September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://www.acco.org/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/
[vii] September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://childrenscancer.org/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/
[viii] Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: The Silent Killer Among Us!. Retrieved from: https://nwhn.org/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month-the-silent-killer-among-us/
[ix] September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: http://ovarian.org/page-not-found/508-ovarian-cancer-awareness-month
[x] Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/gynecological-cancer-awareness-month/
[xi] September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Foundation-for-Womens-Cancer_GCAM-Toolkit_2019.pdf
[xii] Leukemia/Lymphoma Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://www.aacrfoundation.org/Pages/leukemia-lymphoma-awareness-month.aspx
[xiii] Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness. Retrieved from: https://www.rogelcancercenter.org/blood-cancer/resources-patients/leukemia-and-lymphoma-awareness
[xiv] September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://www.lls.org/blood-cancer-awareness-month
