I’m moved by the American Cancer Society’s latest marketing campaign. Their “Movement for More Birthdays” strikes me as genuine and simple. The landing page for the campaign says it best:
- To most people, birthdays are just a reminder that they’re getting older. But at the American Cancer Society, “Happy Birthday” is a victory song, because a world with less cancer is a world with more birthdays. And that’s definitely something to celebrate.
As a cancer survivor myself, I appreciate my birthday. And I appreciate a lot of things that I didn’t before. I lost a considerable amount with cancer, but in return I gained an appreciation for certain life’s realities that I otherwise might have taken for granted.
According to the American Cancer Society cancer is second to heart disease as the most common killer in the U.S. In 2008, nearly 1.5 million cases of cancer were diagnosed in America. Another 1 million of non-invasive cases were treated. Approximately half a million people died over the course of the year, which equates to 1,500 people every day losing their lives to the disease. With numbers as high as these, we all know someone who…
My own current ‘someone who’ is a dear friend, Karin, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Her own story is one that gives me shivers. She literally had a series of dreams that compelled her to get checked. Several doctors and much poking and prodding later, they found what she ‘felt’ and Karin began the fast and furious fight to combat the intruder.
Because of Karin’s insistence and gut instincts, she’ll live to celebrate another birthday. She’ll be shy a head of hair, entirely too knowledgeable about the throws of flulike symptoms, and out insane amounts of time spent watching her own body’s fluids come and go as she sits through treatment. But come her next birthday, she’ll blow out the candles and make a wish – that life remain sweet and safe, for herself, her children, her family, her loved ones.
Karin knew something was awry in her body and sought assistance until she confirmed what she knew. But we’re not all leveled with such realizations. We’re not all in such tune with the in’s-and-out’s of our own bodies. That said, what should we be doing to make sure we live to celebrate another birthday ourselves?
The following points have all been preached at us before, but I’m compelled to offer a refresher and do my own part as a disciple in fighting cancer. I’d like to be a part of the solution that will eventually help us combat the disease.
Take note, take heart, take one or two steps of action. It won’t hurt. In fact, not taking action might…
Milestones. After 20 years of age, annual health exams become a reality, and regular exams for common cancers are recommended. Here’s how they should map out:
- Breast Exam – every THREE years! The ACS has actually just released word that self-exams are now considered optional. Instead, they are promoting self-awareness. Check yourself periodically. Know your breasts and report unusual lumps and bumps.
- Pap Test – every ONE to TWO years! My own cancer was caught because of a routine pap smear. If it weren’t for my own diligence, who knows how serious it could have gotten. Ladies, please please please be diligent about this simple test!
- Colon Cancer Test – after 30 years of age, you should be tested every ONE to THREE years. It depends on the test and your family history.
- Mammogram – after 40 years of age, you should be tested EVERY YEAR. It’s uncomfortable and even painful, but the pain you’re saving yourself in exchange is worth every pinch and twist.
Prevention. What you eat and drink, whether you’re a couch potato or active, and a host of other lifestyle habits can mean the difference between getting cancer or never being touched. Many ways to prevent cancer are easier said than done, but the exchange rate you’ll end up paying will make you wish you had given the following points more serious consideration:
- Smoking – the habit is responsible for some 15 different types of cancers and takes the cake at 30% of all cancer deaths. I’m an ex-smoker myself and know what’s it’s like to try and quit after years of the habit. I won’t turn this into a dissertation on how bad a habit it is. If you’re a smoker, you know. Just quit.
- Sun Safety – you simply have to protect yourself when you leave the house. No matter if you’re headed to the beach or the movie theatre, consider SPF, hats and shade your allies.
- Food & Fitness – the ACS actually publishes guidelines on nutrition and physical activity.
- HPV & Cervical Cancer – consider being tested and the vaccine to combat the virus. There is still much to be discovered and decided, but knowing your options is smart.
- Environmental Carcinogens – from air pollution to radiation to chemicals we use to clean at home, those foreign substances with which we come into contact on a daily basis wreak havoc on healthy bodies when not controlled.
- Genetics – I think this is one of the more difficult ways to prevent cancer. I’m awful at family stories, awful at keeping up with the who-what-when-where and sound shallow because of it. But I do know I’m susceptible to certain cancers, and I take care to ask a lot of questions of my maternal side to make sure I’m in the know.
- Education – spread the word, teach your kids, reach out to girlfriends, volunteer, wear a pin, walk in a fundraiser or awareness rally. The more we know, the less likely we’ll be afflicted. It’s that’s simple.
Don’t take my word without more insight. Everything I’ve shared here and more can be researched and appreciated online. Here are a few sources I used. Any others – as well as personal stories – are appreciated.
www.cancer.org
www.prevention.com
www.morebirthdays.com
www.cancer.gov
