Press Release

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April is Cancer Control Month

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 58,700 new cancer cases were diagnosed in Ohio in the year 2002. Also, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart disease. In the US, one of every four deaths is from cancer.

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. Cancer is caused by a variety of factors such as chemicals and viruses, or hormones and inherited mutations. Cancer can be treated with such therapies as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Survival rates vary depending on the type of cancer.

“There are a variety of things you can do yourself; from lifestyle changes to undergoing simple screenings to help prevent cancer” explains Julie Armstrong, Health Educator from the Union County Health Department. Some behaviors that can contribute to causing cancer are tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, poor procedures, and when detected early, treatment is more likely to be successful. Screenings exist for these cancers: breast, colon, rectum, cervix, prostate, testis, oral cavity and skin.

Cancer can affect everyone alive today. The occurrence of cancer increases with age, as 80% of all cancers are diagnosed at ages 55 and older. However, this does not mean that young people do not get cancer. The most common cancer found in young men is testicular cancer. If found early though regular screening that can be done, in most cases, testicular cancer can be cured.

Your Union County Health Department offers regular Cancer Screening Clinics which include screenings for various types of cancer for people of all ages. Please call the Health Department for more information at 642-0801 or 1-888-333-9461 for non-local calls or visit our website at www.uchd.net.