The American family experiences enough stress nowadays without considering the added reality that cancer kills about 1,500 U.S. citizens daily. That ominous number is on the rise and cancer is second to only cardiovascular disease in taking lives each year -- and effectively "ending" the health and happiness of many American families. According to the CDC, the deadliest types of cancer are lung, stomach, liver, colorectal and breast.
Now here is the great news that we as Americans are sadly ignoring: More than 30 percent of cancers are preventable -- that means, nearly one out of every three deaths to cancer are unnecessary. Additionally, with the rising cost of cancer care pushing the mark over $250 billion dollars for American health care money spent, we, as a nation, need to stand up today and prevent cancer from happening to ourselves -- and our families -- tomorrow.
Here are eight golden rules to prevent cancer gleaned from research, cancer experts and organizations such as the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society:
1.Quit smoking.
2.Maintain a healthy weight and an active lifestyle.
3.Eat more fruits and vegetables every day.
4.Don't abuse alcohol.
5.Get vaccinated and screened for HPV, a sexually-transmitted cancer-causing infection. (HPV vaccination is currently only recommended for women when it comes to cancer prevention.)
6.Reduce chemicals and toxins in your living and work environments.
7.Use sunscreen.
8.And, perhaps, most importantly, be screened regularly and as appropriate for breast, colon, skin and prostate cancer. Here are some suggested guidelines.
To help increase awareness of cancer prevention and life-saving screening, my own company Spirit Health Group, is very proud to present (at no cost to any U.S. hospital or cancer diagnostic center) a comprehensive promotional program called Hand in Hand. Hand in Hand is a multi-component, multimedia national campaign that is designed to increase cancer prevention while we "raise awareness and save lives, one couple at a time."
The program was designed in honor of our friend and partner in women's health advocacy, Richard C. Ireland, founder of the Snowmass Institute, who lost his battle with prostate cancer in 2010.
If you or someone you know is associated with a hospital, cancer center or diagnostics program, pass this information on to them so they can register to receive the entire Hand in Hand benefits package at no fee, including a program guide book, all creative templates, social networking resources, public relations materials, and access to webinars on implementation and ROI tracking. If you are interested, contact Dana Smith, Hand in Hand Project Manager, at dsmith@spiritofwomen.com. We are looking forward to the launch of a successful website to bring this program to a community near you.
If you are interested in stopping the spread of senseless cancers, please stand up and spread the word on these eight golden rules and use them to promote your health and the health of your loved ones.