Survivorship Table: May

May marks many important awareness events including Skin Cancer Awareness Month, National Cancer Research Month, Brain Tumor Awareness Month and Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. Learn how you can show your support as well as promote a healthy lifestyle for you and your loved ones!

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that skin cancer affects one in every five people by the age of 70? The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from UV exposure [i]. You can achieve this by following the below guidelines.

Wear water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 [ii].
Protect your face by wearing a hat or visor.
Put on your sunglasses to protect your eyes! For extra protection consider wearing sunglasses that are polarized to reduce glare [iii].
Use clothing to protect your skin [iv].
- Wear clothes with dark colors to absorb the sunlight and avoid reaching your skin
- Consider wearing loose clothing while in the sun to block sun rays
- Try to wear clothing made with fabrics such denim, canvas or synthetic fibers

National Cancer Research Month

The month of May aims to spread awareness of the important impact that cancer research has including prevention, and treatments for all types of cancers [v]. How can you show your support?

Follow and use the hashtag #ResearchSavesLives and #NCRM20 [v].
Educate yourself and others. Learn more about the latest on cancer research here from the AACR’s cancer progress report.
Advocate for cancer research! Learn more about how to write to Congress here on AACR’s website.

Brain Tumor Awareness Month

Honor those affected by brain cancer and support advocacy initiatives this May during Brain Tumor Awareness Month [vi]. Although many types of brain cancer cannot be directly prevented due to family history and genetic conditions, below are few healthy habits to consider integrating into your lifestyle [vii]:

Aim to quit smoking if you currently smoke. Avoiding environmental hazards including smoking may reduce the risk of developing brain tumors [vii].
If possible, limit your exposure to radiation and other harmful environmental factors [viii].
Reduce and limit alcohol intake [ix]. The CDC recommends limiting alcohol intake to up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men [x].
Maintain a healthy body weight [ix]. Consuming a balanced diet and exercising regularly are great ways to promote a healthy weight. Walking can be a great way to get moving!

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that close to 90% of those diagnosed with bladder cancer are over the age of 55 [xi]? Check out the below tips to help prevent bladder cancer and live a healthy lifestyle:

Stay hydrated! Drinking plenty of water may help to lower the risk of developing bladder cancer [xii].
Eat your fruits and vegetables! Eating a diet high in unprocessed fruits and vegetables can promote many health benefits and may help reduce the risk of bladder cancer [xii].
- Use these recipes for quick and easy ways to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet!

Learn more about Skin Cancer Awareness Month, National Cancer Research Month, Brain Tumor Awareness Month and Bladder Cancer Awareness Month advocacy initiatives here: https://savor-health.flywheelsites.com/may-awareness/

References:

[i] May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month/

[ii] May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/programs/skin-cancer-awareness-month

[iii] What are Polarized Lenses For? Received from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/polarized-lenses

[iv] Sun-Protective Clothing. Retrieved from: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/

[v] National Cancer Research Month. Retrieved from: https://www.aacr.org/about-the-aacr/newsroom/initiatives-and-partnerships/national-cancer-research-month/

[vi] Brain Tumor Awareness Month- Go Grey in May. Retrieved from: https://thecurestartsnow.org/impact/news/brain-tumor-awareness-month-go-gray-in-may/

[vii] Brain Cancer (Brain Tumor): Prevention. Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6149-brain-cancer-brain-tumor/prevention

[viii] Can Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Adults Be Prevented. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html

[ix] Brain Tumor Prevention. Retrieved from: https://www.wellstar.org/medical-care/neuroscience/brain/pages/brain-tumor-prevention.aspx

[x] Alcohol Use and Your Health. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm

[xi] Key Statists for Bladder Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

[xii] Can Bladder Cancer Be Prevented? Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html

Isabelle Colbert Corgel, RD, CDN

Isabelle is a registered dietitian with a Bachelor’s of Science in Global Public Health and Nutrition from New York University. Isabelle has been a part of the Savor Health team for 4 years beginning as an intern during her sophomore year at NYU and now works as a contributing writer. After her undergraduate degree, she completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital with a focus in medical nutrition therapy where she gained clinical experience in oncology. Following her dietetic internship, Isabelle completed a 6-month nutrition fellowship in Employee Health and Wellbeing at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Isabelle now helps to manage nutrition and health programs at a food bank in upstate New York. Isabelle is passionate about community nutrition and health as well as holistic wellness.