Deciding to Be Part of a Clinical Trial
April is National Cancer Control Month, a time to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, improving cancer treatments, increasing the survival rate of cancer, and improving the quality of life for people living with cancer. Founded in April 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Cancer Control Month serves as a time to support patients living with cancer and honor cancer survivors.
Cancer Prevention
Studies show that between 30-50% of all cancer cases are preventable. Reducing exposure to cancer risk factors and early detection are crucial steps for cancer prevention. Cancer prevention provides the most cost-effective long-term strategy for cancer control.
Early Detection of Cancer
Early detection of cancer increases the likelihood for achieving successful cancer treatment. Getting regular screenings, imaging, exams, and tests to check for cancer is an important step to take in helping to protect yourself and be proactive about early detection. Cancer screenings help doctors detect and treat various cancers early before they cause serious symptoms and progress.
Improving Cancer Treatments
Not all cancers can be prevented, which is why focusing on cancer research and improving cancer treatments is critical for saving lives. Treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery cancer medications, radiation therapy, and clinical trials.
Increasing the Survival Rate of Cancer
Survivorship care aims to create comprehensive plans for tracking cancer recurrence, detection of new cancers, and managing cancer treatment side effects to support cancer survivorship and help increase the survival rate of cancer.
Improving the Quality of Life for People Living with Cancer
Palliative care is a key component of cancer care and plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families.
Sources:
World Health Organization: Cancer
NFCR: Cancer Control Month – How You Can Make a Difference
NIH: National Cancer Institute: Cancer Stat Facts: Cancer of Any Site