Childhood Cancer Awareness
Childhood cancers are cancers that primarily affect children, teens and young adults. When cancer strikes children and young people, it affects them differently than it does adults. For example, young patients often have a more advanced stage of cancer when first diagnosed. Childhood cancers are mostly those of the white blood cells (leukemia's), brain, bone, the lymphatic system and tumors of the muscles, kidneys and nervous system.
During the month of September there are activities happening around the world to raise awareness about childhood cancers, and celebrate surviorship.
Cancer Awareness Ribbon Color: Gold
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation
www.candlelighters.org/septchildhoodcancermonth.stm
National Childhood Cancer Foundation
www.nccf.org/childhoodcancer/different.asp
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness
Each year over 82,000 women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers. Gynecologic cancers affect the reproductive organs including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva. Some symptoms of gynecologic cancers are feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvis, abnormal bleeding, excessive discharge, itching, a sore that does not heal, changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent indigestion and a thickening or lump that causes pain or can be felt or seen. Screenings and self-examinations conducted early can result in the detection of certain types of gynecologic cancers.
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
www.wcn.org/gcf/pubs/order_gcam.htm
Please visit our Resources page to download a Fact Sheet about Gynecological Cancers.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness
Every five minutes, someone in the United States learns that he or she has leukemia, Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma – more than 300 people a day. Leukemia and lymphoma, also known as blood cancers, originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. The diseases result from a genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is dedicated to finding cures for blood-related cancers. It also provides support for those who suffer from them.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. Some symptoms of ovarian cancer are feeling of fullness or bloating, digestive problems, changes in bowel/bladder patterns, abnormal bleeding from the vagina, fatigue, pain during intercourse or weight loss/gain.
This month our Conversations On Cancer Ovarian Support Group is discussing "Managing the Side Effects of Treatment" with Sandi Hill, R.N. Gynecology Coordinator from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Join us at Cancer Services on September 3 at 12 p.m.! For more information contact Nedra at (336) 760-9983.
Cancer Awareness Ribbon Color: Teal
Also visit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition website for more resources.
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
http://www.ovarian.org
Please visit our Resources page to download a Fact Sheet about Ovarian Cancer.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Week (September 18-24)
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. African Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer have a greater chance of developing the disease. There are two annual screening tests for prostate cancer. They are the digital rectal examination and the prostate-specific antigen or PSA test.
Forsyth Regional Cancer Center hosts Conversations On Cancer Us Too! For Prostate Cancer Support Group. This month's meeting is September 9th at 7 p.m. Call (336) 718-8577 for more information.
Cancer Awareness Ribbon Color: Blue
Also visit the Nationa Prostate Cancer Coalition website for schedule for events nationwide
National Prostate Cancer Coalition
www.fightprostatecancer.org
Please visit our Resources page to download a Fact Sheet about Prostate Cancer.
National Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
Each year over 19,000 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Symptoms of thyroid cancer are a lump or nodule in the font of the neck, hoarseness or difficulty speaking, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing or breathing or pain in the throat or neck.
This week is dedicated to educating the community on early detection and providing information to survivors about the treatment and available resources.
Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association
http://www.thyca.org/awareness.htm
