Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not con- trolled, it can result in death. Cancer is caused by both external factors (tobacco, infectious organisms, chemicals, and radiation) and internal factors (inherited mutations, hormones, immune conditions, and mutations that occur from metabolism). These causal factors may act together or in sequence to initiate or promote the development of cancer. Ten or more years often pass between exposure to external factors and detectable cancer. Cancer is treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immune therapy, and targeted therapy.

In the US, men have slightly less than a 1 in 2 lifetime risk of developing cancer; for women, the risk is a little more than 1 in 3.

In 2014, there will be an estimated 1,665,540 new cancer cases diagnosed and 585,720 cancer deaths in the US. Cancer remains the second most common cause of death in the US, accounting for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths.

The mission of Run for Hope is to empower people in the fight against cancer by educating them about cancer prevention, early detection, treatment options and research for a cure.

Cancer prevention through life style changes

Don’t smoke, if you smoke quit.

Use sun block of SPF 15 or higher every day when outdoors.

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight throughout life.

Adopt a physically active lifestyle.

Adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate- intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week, or an equivalent combination, preferably spread throughout the week.

Consume a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant foods.

If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit consumption.

People who drink alcohol should limit their intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

Early detection

Finding cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage gives patients the greatest chance of survival. For guidelines on early detection for different cancers please refer to the American Cancer Society webpage at www.cancer.org

Treatment options and research

No two cancers are treated alike. This applies to cancers that carry the same name. Your doctors and care team are your best allies in your fight against cancer. Be proactive in your care, ask and read about your cancer as much as you can. Reliable sources include:

www.cancer.net - Oncologist approved information about different cancers

The American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org            

Which one of these "Smiling" people have cancer?

WE ALL DO!

Which one of these "smiling" people have HOPE?

WE ALL DO!