Happy November! This month we celebrate family caregivers and honor those affected by lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, and carcinoid cancer. Learn how you can support caretakers, advocate for those affected by a variety of cancers, as well as take preventive steps.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month aims to increase community awareness of lung cancer, as well as the need for more research on this disease [i]. Learn more about ways to prevent environmental and behavioral lung cancer risk factors below.
- Avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible. Make an effort to avoid smoking areas and opt for smoke-free when available [ii].
- Make an effort to quit smoking if you currently smoke. Quitting smoking can decrease the risk of developing lung cancer [ii].
- Eat a diet with an emphasis on whole foods and limited in processed foods [ii]. Those who consume more fruits and vegetables may have a lower risk of developing lung cancer [iii].
- Limit or avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. Workplace hazards such as toxic chemical exposure or radon in the home can be risk factors for lung cancer [iii].
- Check out this article to learn more about the causes of lung cancer [iv].
National Family Caregiver Month
Did you know that family members tend to be the primary source of support for older adults and those living with disabilities [v]? That’s why the month of November is devoted not only to honoring caregivers, but also to increasing support of caregivers and raising awareness of the challenges that they face [v]. How can you support yourself as a caregiver or caregivers in your community?
- Use hashtags on social media platforms such as #CaregivingInCrisis to highlight challenges faced by caregivers during these times or #FamilyCaregiver to take part in a larger conversation about caregiving for family members [v].
- Use these graphics from the Administration of Community Living to help spread awareness of family caregivers [v].
- Check out the Caregiver Action Network’s Family Caregiver Toolbox for supportive resources [vi].
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month aims to help those affected by pancreatic cancer by spreading education, empowerment, and resources on pancreatic cancer [vii]. How can you support those affected by pancreatic cancer and decrease the risk factors for pancreatic cancer?
- Learn more about the risks and symptoms of pancreatic cancer here from the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Foundation [vii].
- Maintaining a healthy weight may help to reduce the chance of developing pancreatic cancer [viii]. Make an effort to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and take part in regular exercise [viii].
- Limit alcohol consumption. Some research has shown a possible connection between heavy alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer [viii].
Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
Stomach Cancer Awareness Month aims to increase education, support, and funds for stomach cancer research [ix]. Learn more about measures you can take to lower your risk of stomach cancer below.
- Get active! Taking part in physical activity regularly may help to lower your risk of stomach cancer [x]. Learn more about exercise and cancer here [xi].
- Add color to your diet! Increase fruits and vegetables and limit sugar-sweetened beverages and processed meats [x]. Try this fall 3-Bean Salad packed full of plant-based protein [xii].
- Tobacco use may play a role in stomach cancer risk [x]. Avoid using tobacco products to limit your risk.
Carcinoid Cancer Awareness Month
Carcinoid tumors are a type of cancer that is rare, slow-growing, and typically affects the digestive tract [xiii]. Although there are not many known risk factors for carcinoid cancer that can be controlled, avoiding smoking may help to lower your risk [xiii].
Learn more about Lung Cancer Awareness Month, National Family Caregiver Month, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Stomach Cancer Awareness Month, and Carcinoid Cancer Awareness Month here.
References:
[i] November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://lcfamerica.org/get-involved/november-lung-cancer-awareness-month/
[ii] Lung Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374620
[iii] Lung Cancer Prevention [PDQ®]–Patient Version. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/patient/lung-prevention-pdq
[iv] Living with Lung Cancer. Retrieved from: https://savor-health.flywheelsites.com/living-well-with-lung-cancer-2/
[v] National Family Caregivers Month Materials. Retrieved from: https://acl.gov/news-and-events/downloads-and-multimedia/NFCM
[vi] Family Caregiver Toolbox. Retrieved from: https://caregiveraction.org/family-caregiver-toolbox
[vii] November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: http://pancreatic.org/november/
[viii] Pancreatic Cancer Risks. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
[ix] Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://www.nostomachforcancer.org/get-involved/stomach-cancer-awareness-month
[x] Can Stomach Cancer Be Prevented? Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomach-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html
[xi] Exercise Against Cancer. Retrieved from: https://savor-health.flywheelsites.com/exercise-cancer-latest-research/
[xii] Fall for New Flavors: Cilantro. Retrieved from: https://savor-health.flywheelsites.com/fall-for-new-flavors-cilantro/
[xiii] Carcinoid Tumors. Retrieved from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/carcinoid-tumor
