Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

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By Nurse Diane

Earlier this month we told you that is was gynecologic cancer awareness month.  Included in the group are Ovaries.  Ovarian Cancer is one of the most deadly of women's cancers. Each year, approximately 21,880 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In 2010, approximately 13,850 women will die in the United States from ovarian cancer. Many women don't seek help until the disease has begun to spread, but if detected at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is more than 93%. Recent research suggests that together the four symptoms of: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and urinary urgency or frequency may be associated with ovarian cancer.  Below is a copy of the Presidential Proclamation:

NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

 

This year, thousands of American women will lose their lives to ovarian cancer. They are mothers and daughters, sisters and grandmothers, community members and cherished friends -- and the absence they leave in our hearts will be deeply felt forever. During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we honor those we have lost, show our support for women who bravely carry on the fight, and take action to lessen the tragic toll ovarian cancer takes on families across our Nation.

Sadly, women are all too often diagnosed with this disease when it has already reached an advanced stage. Because early detection is the best defense against ovarian cancer, it is essential that women know the risk factors associated with the disease. Women who are middle-aged or older, who have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or who have had certain cancers in the past are at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Any woman who thinks she is at risk of ovarian cancer or who experiences symptoms, including abdominal pain, pressure, or swelling -- should talk with her health care provider. To learn more, visit www.Cancer.gov.

Ongoing progress in science and medicine is moving us forward in the battle against ovarian cancer, and my Administration remains committed to improving outcomes for women suffering from this devastating illness. Through agencies across the Federal Government, we are continuing to invest in research that paves the way for a new generation of tests and treatments. Through the Centers for Disease Control's Inside Knowledge campaign, we are working to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. The Affordable Care Act already bans insurance companies from dropping a woman's coverage because she has ovarian cancer, and from placing lifetime or restrictive annual dollar limits on her coverage. Beginning in 2014, the law will also prohibit insurers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums because a woman has ovarian cancer -- or any other pre-existing condition. 

 Ovarian cancer affects the lives of far too many women every year, and the tragedy it leaves in its wake reverberates in communities across our country. This month, we stand with all those who have known the pain of ovarian cancer, and we rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of new and better ways to prevent, detect, and treat this devastating disease.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim September 2012 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise ovarian cancer awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives. I also urge women across our country to talk to their health care providers and learn more about this disease.

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September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  I urge you to visit your gynecologist if you have not done so this year, and also encourage all the women in your life to be checked as well.  Early detection can provide a successful survival rate.

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World Cancer Day

By Diane Forrest, RN

According the National Cancer Institute there are over 100 different types of cancer, and more are being diagnosed every year.  For a complete list of the different types, click on this site: http://www.cancer.gov/.   Each year globally, 12.7 million people learn they have cancer, and 7.6 million people die from the disease. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease; it kills more than half a million Americans every year.  Everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, or has lost someone because of cancer.

Research is being done all around the world to find a cure, however today is a day for the world to come together and spread the word about cancer, ways to prevent it, and how to be aware of early signs to initiate treatment before all hope is lost.  Today is World Cancer Day.  A person's cancer risk can be reduced by avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol use, avoiding excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active.

Vaccines also help reduce cancer risk. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent most cervical cancers and some vaginal and vulvar cancers, and the hepatitis B vaccine can help reduce liver cancer risk.   Research shows that screening for cervical and colorectal (colon) cancers as recommended helps prevent these diseases by finding precancerous lesions so they can be treated before they become cancerous. Screening for cervical, colorectal, and breast cancers also helps find these diseases at an early, often highly treatable stage.

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You can also reduce your children's risk of getting many types of cancer later in life. Start by helping them adopt a healthy lifestyle with good eating habits and plenty of exercise to keep a healthy weight.

Ways to help promote World Cancer day include:

People, businesses, governments and non-profit organizations work together on World Cancer Day to help the general public learn more about the different types of cancer, how to watch for it, treatments and preventative measures.

Various activities and events include: Television; radio; online and newspaper advertisements and articles that focus on the fight against cancer.

Nationwide campaigns targeted at parents to help them minimize the risk of cancer within their families.

Breakfasts, luncheons or dinners aimed at raising funds for cancer research or projects that help to fight cancer. Many of these events feature keynote speakers or video presentations.

Public information booths featuring information kits, fact sheets, booklets, posters and other items that promote the cancer awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and treatment.

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For more information visit this site:  http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WorldCancerDay/

Race for the Cure

Upcoming dates:

2011
Seattle	September 16-18, 2011
Washington, D.C.	September 23-25, 2011
Philadelphia	October 14-16, 2011
Atlanta	October 21-23, 2011
Tampa Bay	October 28-30, 2011
Dallas/Fort Worth	November 4-6, 2011
Arizona	November 11-13, 2011
San Diego	November 18-20, 2011
2012
Boston	July 27-29, 2012
Cleveland	August 3-5, 2012
Chicago	August 10-12, 2012
Michigan	August 17-19, 2012
Twin Cities	August 24-26, 2012
San Francisco Bay Area	September 7-9, 2012
Seattle	September 14-16, 2012
Philadelphia	October 5-7, 2012
Washington, D.C.	October 12-14, 2012
Atlanta	October 19-21, 2012
Tampa Bay	October 26-28, 2012
Dallas/Fort Worth	November 2-4, 2012
Arizona	November 9-11, 2012
San Diego	November 16-18, 2012

"No action today, no cure tomorrow"

by Diane Forrest, RN 

and Terry Orr

Unlike many things in our world today, cures for health related issues takes considerable time, testing, and approval. We the people need to help in our own ways and encourage others to follow that lead.  We hope that you will take a few minutes to read this brief recap - perhaps take a few extra minutes to click on the links provided and read the additional information. Thank you and wishing you a wonderful day.

What is World Health Day?

April 7 of each year marks the celebration of World Health Day. From its inception at the First Health Assembly in 1948 and since taking effect in 1950, the celebration has aimed to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization.

Over the past 50 years this has brought to light important health issues such as mental health, maternal and child care, and climate change. The celebration is marked by activities which extend beyond the day itself and serves as an opportunity to focus worldwide attention on these important aspects of global health.

 

World Health Day - 7 April 2011

Antimicrobial resistance: no action today, no cure tomorrow. Is the world in danger of heading back to the days before antibiotics were developed? That is the question being asked as WHO prepares to mark World Health Day, on 7 April, with a warning about the growing threat from antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Many infectious diseases risk becoming uncontrollable, and this could derail the progress made towards reaching the targets of the health-related Millennium Development Goals set for 2015, WHO said.

"No action today, no cure tomorrow" is the rallying call of World Health Day 2011, when WHO will introduce a six-point policy package designed to combat the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

 Information from WHO (World Health Organization) - some additional good information:

http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2011/world-health-day2011-brochure.pdf

http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/antimicrobial_resistance/facts/en/index.html

10 facts on antimicrobial resistance

http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2011/WHD201_FS_EN.pdf