Celebrate Life
IN CANCERCancer-it's a word that evokes many reactions and emotions. Survivor-the mere utterance of this statement can stir feelings of esteem, pride, boldness and awe. Put them together and you have an extraordinary individual: a cancer survivor.
Cancer is a disease that has many causes and types. The uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, cancer knows no age, race or social status. It can develop virtually anywhere in the body, including the breasts, colon, bones, nerve tissues, lungs, cervix and skin. The American Cancer Society predicts that more than 1.6 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2012, and that cancer also will claim the lives of more than 577,000 Americans.
While these facts and figures may be solemn, there is reason to celebrate. Celebrate what, you ask? Celebrate the commemoration of nearly 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States.
12 Million Strong and Growing
Nearly everyone has either been directly affected or knows someone who has been affected by cancer. Those who survive are testaments to courage and triumph. The first Sunday of June is typically observed as National Cancer Survivors Day, but we encourage you to celebrate cancer survivors throughout the month.
The following is a list of creative ways to show a cancer survivor some love and support.
• Gifts of services-Cancer survivors have been through a lot, and those who have recently won the battle may still be low on energy. Presenting gifts of services, such as massages, grocery shopping, babysitting, laundry, meal preparations or errand running are wonderful ways to show you care.
• Acts of sentiment-A handwritten letter or personal video expressing your feelings toward a cancer survivor are priceless and speak volumes. Let that survivor know how much you admire him or her and applaud the trials and tribulations he or she overcame.
• Pamper their skin-As a result of cancer treatments, many survivors struggle with skin issues. Consider giving skin care-related presents, such as a basket full of hydrating lotions, lip balms and bath oils or a certificate for a facial or cosmetic counter goods.
• The gift of time-Conquering a battle with cancer means that cancer survivors refused to surrender their lives and as a result were given back the gift of time. Celebrate this great achievement by giving of your time. Plan a day spent exclusively with your cancer survivor participating in the things he or she enjoys most.
| Preventive Advances on the
Horizon
Researchers at Mayo Clinic are currently working to develop a potential melanoma vaccine to help prevent skin cancer. The study, published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, utilizes a strategy called cancer immunotherapy. This strategy uses a genetically engineered version of the vesicular stomatitis virus to deliver a broad spectrum of genes derived from melanoma cancer cells directly into tumors. The idea is to destroy skin cancer from within the body through a vaccination. Although the study is still in its incubation and further research is necessary, the possibility of eradicating melanoma-the most common form of cancer in the United States-is worth celebrating. |
Sources: ncsd.org, cancer.org, sciencedaily.com
© 2013. True North Custom Media. All Rights Reserved.For more information on cancer and cancer care, call the health care professionals at the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center, a regional service of Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, at (800) 640-7199, or visit our website.
