2018-12-04T07:01:00

(BPT) – Cancer Screen Week is a public health initiative launched in 2017 by Genentech, the American Cancer Society, Stand Up To Cancer and Rally Health to elevate public awareness and foster understanding of the potentially lifesaving benefits of cancer screening. This year’s nationwide initiative runs from December 3 through December 7, 2018. 

Almost 610,000 people are expected to die from cancer in 2018.1 According to the American Cancer Society, cancer screening increases the chances of catching certain cancers early, when they are most likely to be treated successfully,2 and in the case of cervical and colorectal cancer, can even help prevent pre-cancerous changes from turning into cancer.1 

Screening rates for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer in recommended populations have either become stagnant or declined in recent years (2010-2015), lagging behind the “Healthy People 2020” goals set by the federal government.3 

Visit www.CancerScreenWeek.org to find out more about the initiatives, and regularly talk to your doctor about what screening decisions may be right for you. Spread the word about Cancer Screen Week and join the collective effort to save more lives from cancer.

1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2018. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/cancer-facts-figures-2018.html. Accessed November 26, 2018.

2. American Cancer Society. Cancer Screening Guidelines 2018. Available at https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/cancer-screening-guidelines.html. Accessed November 26, 2018.

3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2020. Available at: https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/cancer. Accessed November 26, 2018.