As Fall begins, the month of September is a great time to educate yourself on risk factors and advocacy initiatives for cancer awareness celebrated this month. Join us in celebrating the following awareness months this September: Prostate Cancer Awareness, Childhood Cancer Awareness, Ovarian Cancer Awareness, Gynecological Cancer Awareness, and Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects men. Early detection including screening and knowing your risk factors may help to improve the treatment of prostate cancer [i]. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones against prostate cancer:
- Maintain a healthy weight. Research suggests that this may help to reduce the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer [ii].
- Consume a diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables and limiting red meats and processed foods [iii]. Check out Savor Health Recipes for fun and creative ways to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet!
- Stay active! Staying active can help to maintain a healthy weight [i].
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood cancer includes a variety of different types of cancers. Unlike many other cancers, childhood cancer is much less impacted by lifestyle risk factors [iv]. Because of this, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month focuses on raising funds for and increasing the awareness of childhood cancer [v]. Learn more about how you can support the fight against childhood cancer:
- Consider participating in a St. Jude Virtual Walk or Run to help raise money for childhood cancer research [vi].
- Advocate for childhood cancer research. Check out these resources from the American Childhood Cancer Organization to get involved at the state, federal or global level [vii].
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Ovarian cancer is, in many cases, known to have a lack of symptoms in its early stages [viii]. This amplifies the importance of early detection, awareness and education about ovarian cancer. How can you avoid risk factors and spread awareness?
- Aim to maintain a healthy weight and consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting processed meats and processed foods [ix].
- Consider checking out resources such as this Ovarian Cancer Risk/Symptom Card from the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition [x].
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 [xi]. Learn more about potential risk factors and prevention below:
- Become familiar with the symptoms and warning signs of gynecological cancers here from the CDC [xii].
- It is recommended that women age 21 and older get Pap smears to detect abnormal cell growth. Learn more about screening here [xiii].
Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
Leukemia and lymphoma are types of cancers that affect the bone marrow, blood cells and lymphatic system [xiv]. Learn how you can reduce the risk of blood cancer as well as support awareness events:
- High levels of chemicals and radiation may be risk factors for certain blood cancers. Avoid smoking and high levels of chemical in sources such as benzene (found in certain pesticides) whenever possible [xv, xvi].
- Consider becoming an advocate! Click here to learn more from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society about how you can take action for those affected by blood cancer [xvii].
References:
[i] Prostate Cancer Awareness Week. Retrieved from: https://www.prostateconditions.org/get-involved/events/111-prostate-cancer-awareness-week
[ii] Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented? Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html
[iii] Prostate Cancer Prevention. Retrieved from: https://prostatecancerfoundation.org/patient-resources/family-cancer-risk/prostate-cancer-prevention/?amp
[iv] Can Childhood Cancer be Prevented? Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-in-children/preventing-childhood-cancers.html
[v] Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://www.acco.org/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/
[vi] St. Jude Walk/Run. Retrieved from: https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/fitness-fundraisers/5k-walk-run.html
[vii] Advocacy. Retrieved from: https://www.acco.org/advocacy/
[viii] Ovarian Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/ovarian?pn_mapping=pn_11&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtZH7BRDzARIsAGjbK2ab4Ew0h9qNaBh7AmaipB27FoltrPMTwtJYKLrdmtb4Ks60GjtxXLQaAiDJEALw_wcB#what-is-ovarian-cancer-
[ix] Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
[x] NOCC Resources. Retrieved from: http://ovarian.org/news-resources-separator/nocc-resources
[xi] What is Gynecological Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/what-is-gynecologic-cancer.htm
[xii] What are the Symptoms? Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/symptoms.htm
[xiii] What Should I Know About Screening? Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm
[xiv] Leukemia/Lymphoma Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/leukemia-and-lymphoma-awareness-month/
[xv] Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Risk. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
[xvi] Risk Factors for Leukemia. Retrieved from: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/leukemias/risk-factors
[xvii] Policy and Advocacy. Retrieved from: https://www.lls.org/policy-advocacy
