April is National Cancer Control Awareness Month

Each year the month of April is proclaimed Cancer Control Month to highlight advances against cancer and re-dedicate the nation to fighting this disease. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department, through various screening services is among the many agencies throughout the U.S. pledging to help in the fight against cancer before it takes too many lives.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death among Americans, exceeded only by heart disease. In 2005 the American Cancer Society estimates that in Michigan there will be 50,220 newly diagnosed cancer cases and 20,860 cancer deaths. The total number of newly diagnosed cancer cases in 2002 for Barry and Eaton counties were 635, while 281 cancer deaths occurred that same year. 

 Anyone can develop cancer. Therefore, it is crucial that Americans take advantage of the screening programs available within their community. Screening is a vital step in the early detection of cancer. Regular screening examinations by a health care provider can result in the prevention of cervical and colorectal cancers through discovery and removal of precursor lesions. In addition, screening can detect cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, prostate, oral cavity, and skin at earlier stages when treatment is more likely to be successful.

Along with screening, Americans need to learn how to reduce their cancer risk. For instance, did you know that all cancers caused by cigarette smoking and heavy use of alcohol could have been prevented? Have you heard that about one-third of the cancer deaths expected to occur in 2005 will be related to poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and issues with weight and obesity, and thus could have been prevented?

There are numerous lifestyle changes an individual can make in order to reduce their risk of developing cancer. Some examples are:

Cut cigarettes and any other kind of tobacco out of your life. Smoking is the biggest cancer risk by far and remains the most preventable cause of death in our society.

Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day; cut down on your intake of fat; choose low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt; try lean meats, such as skinned chicken or turkey, and fish; and finally eat more whole grain cereals and breads.

If you drink alcohol, drink moderately.

Increase your daily physical activity level. 

 Protect yourself with sunscreen (at least SPF 15) when you go outdoors, too much sun can cause skin cancer and ages the skin faster.

Screening and lifestyle change play an intricate part in the fight against cancer. In order to help citizens in our community win in the fight against cancer, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) is providing services to individuals who qualify. Services conducted by BEDHD include the following:

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program offers free mammograms, breast exams, and pap smears for women in Barry and Eaton counties. Last year, this program provided screening services for over 400 women in our community. In addition, The Family Planning services for teens and adult women, incorporates cancer screening including pap smears and breast exams. Over 1500 women were served through this program last year. For information on either of these programs, call 269-945-9516 ext. 133 in Barry County and 517-485-7110 ext. 630 or 517-541-2630 in Eaton County.

Primary care health services for uninsured and Medicaid recipients are offered at the Health Connections clinic at the Health Department. Over 850 uninsured residents receive their health care at the clinic and over 200 Medicaid recipients. For more information, call 1-800-553-2565.

Remember, half of all cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented if Americans adopted a healthier lifestyle and took advantage of all the screening programs offered in their community. Speak to your physician about the screening services necessary for you or call the Health Department for more information.

CONTACT: Heather Sanders, Health Educator Barry-Eaton District Health Department 1033 Health Care Drive Charlotte, MI 48813 (517) 541-2691