Cancer Prevention Study-3 is still enrolling!

But first, an update: 

6 teams and 9 participants have raised $20

Good work, everyone!  Early participation will help us reach our 2013 goals.  If you know anyone who has any questions about joining a team, starting a team, fundraising, whatever, please let us know!

Cancer Prevention Study-3

The American Cancer Society is still looking for volunteers for their CPS-3 study.  My mom and I signed up last May.  The whole process took about 30 minutes.  

I've listed the requirements and the Massachusetts events below.  Some you do need to sign up for, but others don't require pre-registration (you should be able to click on the registration links to sign up).  Help us help ACS find a cure for cancer!

THE REQUIREMENTS: Participants must be between the ages of 30 and 65, must never have been diagnosed with cancer (except for squamous or basal cell skin cancers), and must be willing to make a long-term commitment to the study by completing follow-up surveys at home periodically. To enroll in the study, individuals will be asked to complete a brief written survey, provide a waist measurement, and give a small blood sample at the enrollment site, in addition to completing a baseline survey at their home. (Source)

Events in Massachusetts:
Boston - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Boston, Charles River Esplanade, Boston, Sunday, October 14, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pre-registration not required.

Boston - Harvard Medical School (open only to Harvard faculty and staff and family members), Vanderbilt Hall, Joseph B. Martin Lounge, 107 Ave. Louis Pasteur. Tuesday, Oct. 23.  8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  Sign up now!

Boston - Wang YMCA, 8 Oak St. West. 02116. Tuesday, Oct. 23. 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Sign up now!

Boston - Boston Medical Center, Menino Pavilion Lobby, 840 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA  02118.  Wednesday Oct. 24. 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sign up now!

Boston - Harvard Business School (open only to Harvard faculty and staff and family members), Spangler Center,, Meredith Room, 117 Western Ave. Wednesday, Oct.  24. 8 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.  Sign up now!

Boston - Boston Medical Center, Newton Pavilion Lobby, 88 East Newton St., Boston, MA 02118.  Thursday,  Oct. 25.  7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.. Sign up now!

Boston - Harvard Medical School (open only to Harvard faculty and staff and family members), Vanderbilt Hall, Joseph B. Martin Lounge, 107 Ave. Louis Pasteur. Thursday, Oct. 25. 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Sign up now!

Cambridge - Harvard University Health Services (open only to Harvard faculty and staff and family members), Monks Library, 75 Mt. Auburn St.  Wednesday, Oct. 24. 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Sign up now!

Cambridge - Harvard University Health Services (open only to Harvard faculty and staff and family members), Monks Library, 75 M. Auburn St., Thursday, Oct. 25. 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.  Sign up now!

Framingham - Staples, Links Building, Conference Rooms - L1014C and L1013C, 500 Staples Drive 01702. Wednesday, Oct 24.  9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sign up now!

Framingham - Staples, Links Building, Conference Rooms - L1014C and L1013C, 500 Staples Drive 01702. Thursday, Oct 25. Noon - 3:30 p.m.  Sign up now!

Lowell - Lowell General Hospital Main Campus, Clark Auditorium, 295 Varnum Ave. 01854. Wednesday, Oct. 3. 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Sign up now!
Roxbury - Roxbury YMCA, 285 Martin Luther King Blvd. 02119.  Wednesday, Oct 24. 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sign up now!

Westborough - BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc., 25 Research Drive 01581. Thursday, Oct. 25. 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sign up now!

Woburn - North Suburban YMCA, 137 Lexington St. 01801. Wednesday, Oct. 24. 3 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sign up now!

Worcester - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Worcester, Elm Park, Park Ave. and Highland St. 01602. Sunday, Oct. 21. 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not required.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

And now for the post event tally...

Whew!  What a Relay!  The weather was beautiful, the event was fun, and you guys kicked patootie at cleaning the field!  We totally left it better than it was. 

1 - As of today, June 22nd, we have raised $97,380.  We will be collecting donations through 8/31/3012, so you can donate online at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or you can send the donations to the American Cancer Society at 5 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA  02379 (be sure to put Attn: Bridgewater Relay on the donation/envelope!)

2 - Have you taken our survey?  We want your feedback!  We have 10 quick questions regarding the event.  Your input helps us improve year over year:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X5TR357.

3 - Send your pictures to us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com so we can post them to Facebook.  And be sure to check the photos already on our page and tag your team and friends!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

It's here! It's here!!

It's officially Noon on Friday, June 15th - IT'S RELAY DAY!!!  Come join us at the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School at 415 Center Street in Bridgewater, MA.  We have themed laps, fun raffles, tons of team fundraisers, and (of course) food! 

1 - Come down, grab a burger or a hotdog from the Lions, and wander the track.

2 - Place an order at Pepperoni's in Raynham or Bridgewater House of Pizza in Bridgewater and mention Relay.  20% of your order will go to our event!

3 - Check out the team fundraisers and raffles. 

4 - Just show up!!  We will have many presentations for our Fight Back ceremony, including fitness demos and food presentations!

We will be there from 3PM today to 9AM tomorrow. 

We do this because we can, and we do this for those who can't. 

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

Let's Talk About Oral Cancer

I hear about many different types of cancer on a regular basis, but I never really heard much about oral cancer until some new pamphlets arrived at my dentist's office.  This pamphlet details a new (okay, not NEW, but newer to me) way to detect forms of oral cancer early.  And, as we know, early detection is one of the keys to successfully fighting cancer.

Per the American Cancer Society's page "Learn About Cancer" - "Oral cancer starts in the mouth, also called the oral cavity. The oral cavity includes the lips, the inside lining of the lips and cheeks, the teeth, the gums, the front two-thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth below the tongue, and the bony roof of the mouth."  That may seem like a small area, but anyone who's had a cavity, absessed tooth, wisdom tooth, root canal, crown, etc. knows that there are many things that can happen in your mouth.

Let's run the numbers:  ACS estimates that 35,000 people will be diagnosed this year with an oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer, and 6,800 will die from these cancers.  They are about 2x more common in men than women, but they are equally common across races.  Now, here's the kicker - there has been an uptick in these cancers with relation to the human papilloma virus (HPV) in white men under 50.  HPV is the virus that can cause cervical cancer in women.  And, patients newly diagnosed with these cancers can end up with secondary diagnoses of cancer in the larynx, esophagus, or lung.  Some may even develop cancer again after being cured, which means patients need to be monitored for the rest of their lives.

Risk factors:  I'm sure no one is shocked that tobacco use would be on this list, but we should also note that pipe smoking is linked with cancer on the lips, and snuff or chewing tobacco are linked with cancer of the cheek, gums, and inner surface of the lips.  There are no safe tobacco product.  Other risk factors include:

1. Drinking alcohol, particularly heavy drinkers.  Heavy drinking and smoking increase your chance of oral cancers 100 times.
2. Betel quid and gutka - this is more common in Southeast Asia and South Asia, but it is similar to chewing tobacco.
3. HPV infection - this group tends to be younger, and they also tend not to smoke or drink heavily.
4. Gender - as specified above, these cancers are more common in men than women.
5. Age - the average age of diagnoses is 62, currently.
6. Ultraviolet light - much like your skin, you should also protect your lips when outside.
7. Poor nutrition - yet one more reason to eat your veggies and fruit!
8. Weakend immune system
9. Graft-versus-host diseas - this sometimes occurs after stem cell transplants.
10. Genetic syndroms - including fanconi anemia and dyskeratos congenita.
11. Lichen planus - an itchy rash that mainly occurs in middle-aged people.  It can also affect the lining of the mouth and throat.
12. Mouthwash and denture irritation - these are mostly uncertain and unproven, but it may be a good idea to make sure your dentures fit properly and your mouthwash is a low alcohol version (i.e. Act).

This brings me to the pamphlet at my dentist's office: 

Full Brochure

There are many ways to diagnose these cancers early, and regular dental checkups (obviously including the ENTIRE mouth) are very important.  Dentist use the following techniques to look for abnormal areas and determine if they could be cancerous:

1. Toluidine blue - this is a dye that will stain an abnormal area blue.
2. Laser light - the light reflects off areas in the mouth, and abnormal areas look different than normal areas.
3. Acetic acid - this is the acid in vinegar, and a special light is used on the area after the mouth has been rinced with the acid.
4. Brush biopsy - if an abnormal area is detected, the lesion can be scraped with a stiff brush so cells can be examined microscopically. (Source)

My dentist found a thickened area in the side of my mouth a few years ago.  After a referral and an appointment with a specialist, it was determined that nothing was wrong (save some scar tissue from biting the inside of my mouth).  As nervous as I was, I'm glad for that referral. 

I know many people have a fear of the dentist, and I can totally understand why.  I would suggest finding a dentist with whom you are comfortable, though, since early detection is key!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

"How does one get...cancer?"

That was a question recently posted in the comments section of an article announcing the death of MCA from the Beastie Boys.  MCA, or Adam Yauch, died Friday 5/3/2012 of cancer of the salivary glands.  He was diagnosed in 2009.  And, one of the commenters wondered how he could have ended up with such a cancer.

Cancer doesn't discriminate.  It also follows no real rhyme or reason.  I know people who smoked until the day they died, and they died of "natural causes", not lung cancer.  I also know people with no family history of cancer who are fighting currently...particularly one person who is young, otherwise healthy, and had no knowledge of any cancer diagnoses in her family.  Sometimes, you can do everything "right" and still end up with the diagnosis.

So, what does this mean?  Do we stand by and just say "Oh well, it's going to happen anyway.  There's nothing one person can do", or do we act?  We ACT!  I might not be enough alone, but I can bring my family members and friends into the fight.  Everyone has a circle of influence.  Use yours this year to fight cancer.  Maybe one day, no one will hear the words "You have cancer."  That is why I Relay - I Relay because I can, and I Relay for those who cannot.  Why do you?

I have 3 challenges for you:

1 - Next week, the Relay For Life of Greater Attleboro is hosting a sign-up for the Cancer Prevention Study -3 from 6-10 PM on Friday night -"Individuals who are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which involves completing periodic follow-up surveys at home, are between the ages of 30-65, and who have never personally been diagnosed with cancer are eligible to enroll. Enrollment will take between 20-30 minutes. Once enrolled, a participant’s 20-30 year commitment to the study will involve completing mailed surveys every few years. Please visit the Cancer Prevention Study-3 website www.cancer.org/cps3 for enrollment locations and additional information, or call toll free at 888-604-5888."

2 - ACS CAN is looking for 30,000 signatures in 30 days on their "Congress: It's time to make fighting cancer a priority" petition.  If we really want to improve healthcare, we need to focus on all aspects.  You can sign the petition here, and there will be an option after signing to send this to your friends and family.


3 - I am collecting stories about why YOU Relay, and I'm planning to post them to the blog over the week before our event.  Your story could be a couple of paragraphs, a couple of sentences, or even a link to your blog/Facebook/personal donation site.  I would like stories pertaining to Survivors, Caregivers, Team Captains, Committee Members, New Relayers, and Veteran Relayers.  Please send your story to relaybridgewater@gmail.com, using the subject line "Why I Relay/(specific subject)" - please pick whichever subject speaks to you, even if your story fits into more than one. Deadline - 6/1/2012. 

*******************************************************************************

And one quick note:

Next Saturday, May 19th, Team Jean is holding a yard sale/bake sale with all proceeds going to their Relay For Life team.  The sale will be from 8AM until 2 PM at 730 High Street in Bridgewater - you may not need stuff, but EVERYONE needs a delicious baked good (even if you gift it to someone else!) 

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

Prom Season and Summer: Make sure your skin is prepared!

With Prom season upon us and summer quickly approaching, it's time to discuss the dangers of tanning and why it's important to protect our skin.  I'm going to cite a couple of articles about people who found out late that their tanning habits were affecting their health in the worst possible way:  Glenna Kohl died at the age of 26 from melanoma, and Kelli Pedroia (yes, Dustin Pedroia's wife) had three occurrences of melanoma before she finally called it quits on tanning. 

I'm no stranger to the sun, though I try to remember to wear SPF every day and stay out of the direct sun during peak hours.  I also have a membership to Planet Fitness, and my gym has 6 tanning rooms available to members.  I've never used one, but I have seen an uptick in use by teenage girls who may be readying themselves for their Prom dresses.  I know everyone wants a gorgeous glow, but we must keep in mind the dangers associated with tanning, particularly skin cancer.    

"Studies have shown that exposure to UV rays can trigger changes to the DNA in skin cells that may lead to cancerous growths. The two most common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are almost always linked to UV exposure. And 90 percent of cases of the less common but more deadly form, melanoma, also are attributed to UV exposure, says Darrell S. Rigel, MD, a professor of clinical dermatology at New York University."  (Source)  In addition, the Melanoma Foundation of New England, indoor-tanning before the age of 30 increases a person's melanoma risk by 75%.

The standard advice is still the same:  Wear sunscreen every day, don't use tanning booths, and have any suspicious or changing moles/marks checked out by your doctor or dermatologist.  Cosmopolitan also published an article in their 3rd annual Practice Safe Sun section with new skin-related breakthroughs (I've copied and pasted the information, as I don't think it needs any editing):

SUN-SAFE BREAKTHROUGH 1: Your body has another cancer danger zone.

Your legs are the number one spot where melanoma strikes. But a new study found that women are also much more likely to develop melanoma on the chest, stomach, and back than they were a generation ago. “Because of low-rise jeans and halter tops, a woman’s middle racks up exposure to the sun like never before,” explains Georgetown University Hospital dermatologist Sandra Read. Just as you slather sunscreen with an SPF of 15 on your legs and arms, rub it onto your midsection as well.

SUN-SAFE BREAKTHROUGH 2: There’s a new letter to look out for.

The ABCD guide has long been the standard in determining if a suspicious spot merits a derm’s attention. But recently, a new letter was added: E, for evolving.

A: ASYMMETRICAL
B: An irregular BORDER
C: More than two COLORS
D: A DIAMETER wider than a pencil
E: EVOLVING

In other words, any change, even if it doesn’t fall into the ABCD categories, could indicate cancer. “If it gets bigger but is still smaller than a pencil eraser or bleeds or itches, tell your derm,” says Albert Lefkovits, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC. (Here's a guide for doing a skin self-check every month - Cosmopolitan.)

SUN-SAFE BREAKTHROUGH 3: A healthy meal makes a difference.

Nonmelanoma skin-cancer patients whose diets contained only 20 percent fat were less likely to develop actinic keratosis — a precancerous lesion on or under the skin — than those whose diets contained 40 percent fat, reports a study. “Study authors looked at people who already had skin cancer, but it seems fair to assume that a low-fat diet can be protective for everyone,” says Saint Petersburg, Florida, dermatologist James Spencer. Fruits and vegetables should also be part of your meal plan. Another study discovered that people who ate the highest amounts of fruits and veggies were 54 percent less likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma. Aim for the USDA-suggested five servings per day.

SUN-SAFE BREAKTHROUGH 4: HPV is a skin-cancer culprit.

You know human papillomavirus (HPV) as a sexually transmitted disease that may lead to genital warts and even cervical cancer. But a study from Dartmouth Medical School suggests that some types of HPV may be a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma. While squamous cell is rarely deadly and usually doesn’t spread deeper into your body the way melanoma can, it’s still the big C. And scarily, rates of this skin-cancer type have increased four-fold in women under 40. Other types of HPV produce body warts — which some derms believe may be a skin-cancer risk factor. “Patients I’ve seen with a history of warts around the fingernails have developed skin cancer in the same area,” says David Leffell, MD, professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. “If you have a persistent wart on your fingertip, get it checked.”

SUN-SAFE BREAKTHROUGH 5: Caffeine can repair damaged skin.

Women who consume six or more cups of coffee daily are 30 percent less likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma (like squamous cell, it’s a common though not usually lethal form of skin cancer), according to new research. That means six 8-ounce cups of joe or three grande-size coffees or coffee drinks per day. “Animal studies suggest that caffeine encourages UV damaged skin cells to commit suicide,” says Allan Conney, PhD, director of Rutgers University’s Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research. In other words, the damage accrued from previous sunburns can be undone to a certain extent by caffeine, allowing new, healthy cells to take their place. The same research showed that each 8-ounce cup a woman drank daily was associated with a 5 percent decrease in nonmelanoma skin-cancer risk.

SUN-SAFE BREAKTHROUGH 6: Your acne meds and other drugs may help fry your skin.

Such zit-zapping medications as tetracycline, doxycycline, and Accutane — which are prescribed to millions of women to combat acne — and antibiotics like Cipro, which are used to treat urinary tract and other common infections, have a little-known side effect: They make skin burn more easily by leaving it more sensitive to UV rays. Even one skin-frying session increases your cancer risk, says Dr. Lefkovits. Antidepressants like doxepin and antianxiety drugs like Xanax also boost your odds. If you use any of these meds, it’s ultracrucial to get into the daily SPF habit, even if you’ll only be outdoors for five minutes.

SUN-SAFE BREAKTHROUGH 7: A long commute sets you up for sun damage.

UVA rays pass right through your car’s side and back windows, penetrating your skin and eventually triggering fine lines, spots, and even skin cancer. No surprise then that researchers from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine recently found that the more hours drivers clocked in their cars, the more likely they were to develop left-sided skin cancers on their head, neck, arms, and hands. You can get UV filtering film for your car windows (about $250). An easier solution: Apply sunscreen before getting behind the wheel.

SUN-SAFE BREAKTHROUGH 8: Stress and skin cancer share a connection.

Research from Ohio State University shows that stress may up your vulnerability to skin cancer. “This study suggests that if your immune system is down, your body is less able to repair damage done to cells from UV exposure,” explains Tom Mammone, PhD, executive director of research and development for Clinique.

SUN-SCREEN BREAKTHROUGH 9: Got red hair? Beware.

Conventional wisdom has it that the fairer your skin is, the more prone you are to skin cancer. However, hair color may be an even bigger tip-off. A Harvard Medical School study links the gene that gives people red hair to an increased risk of skin cancer over blonds and brunettes. “We think that redheads have a certain type of melanin — the chemical that gives skin its natural color — that triggers cellular damage when it comes into contact with UV rays,” explains Dr. Leffell. If you have red hair, be extra vigilant when you’re outdoors.

Read more: Sun Safety Tips - Tips for Healthy Skin - Cosmopolitan 

 

And, as always, here are a few tips for using sunscreen:

 

SUNSCREEN CHECKLIST

Look for an SPF of at least 15. The SPF number tells you how long the sunscreen protects you, compared to the length of time it would take you to get burned without sunscreen. (For example, if your skin turns red after 20 minutes, SPF 15 keeps you from getting lobsterlike 15 times longer or five hours.)

Make sure it has UVA protection as well as UVB. Check the ingredient list for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide; both physically block UVA and UVB rays. Or look for a chemical sunscreen with avobenzone (also known as Parsol 1789) or the recently approved Mexoryl, which absorb UVA rays.

Squeeze out a shot glass-size amount. Coat your skin in a thin, even layer. If you can, put it on when you’re naked so you don’t miss a spot.

Reapply every two hours you’re outside, even if you’re using a so-called waterproof sunscreen. These typically wear off just as fast as the regular type.
Source: James Spencer, MD

 

Remember - we are our own first line of defense against cancer. 

 

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

ACS CAN Voice - March Newsletter

I received the March newsletter a couple of weeks ago, and I wanted to highlight some of the important things we have done as a group for cancer research and prevention.

1 - ACS CAN held an event at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA to rally for congress to support the funding of the National Institutes of Health.  They were joined by Congressman Jim McDermott, and the even emphasized that federal funding for cancer research doesn't just lead to medical breakthroughs, it also creates jobs and stabilizes local economies.  Food for thought in these current economic times.  You can read more about the event and view pictures here. 

2 - We did it!  When ACS CAN learned that the insurance industry opposed making it easier for consumers to understand health insurance plans, volunteers jumped into action.  The White House announced new rules regarding simple, straightforward benefits information from health insurance companies.  This will help consumers compare plans and prices. 

3 - During the State of the Union address, the President said "Innovation also demands basic research. Today, the discoveries taking place in our federally-financed labs and universities could lead to new treatments that kill cancer cells but leave healthy ones untouched." - President Barack Obama.  Unfortunately, he also cut funding for research, rather than increasing it.  You can view videos on the ACS CAN YouTube channel regarding the State of the Union Address and an analysis of the budget proposal from the White House.  The US House is expected to release their budget shortly. 

And two calls to action:

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Big Tobacco is lobbying to have certain cigars exempted from FDA tobacco regulations.  Specifically, more than 150 Members of Congress have cosponsored a bill that will allow tobacco companies to continue selling flavored cigars and also ban the FDA from requiring the health-related warnings we see on packs of cigarettes.  If you're like me and you think this is a bad idea, send a message to Congress.  We don't need to make tobacco products more attractive to children.

Also, the US House of Representatives is talking about cutting the budget even further.  They are considering cuts in programs preventing kids from smoking, and programs that help kids and adults QUIT smoking.  We need to let them know these programs are saving lives.  They need to know that we can't fight billions from the tobacco industry with pennies.  We need a fair fight.  They voted on Thursday, but this isn't over.  Let your representative know this is not okay!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

Did you know...March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

That's right, this month is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  This form of cancer is referred to as the "silent killer", as symptoms and signs are typically nonexistent at the outset.  Early screening is helping to reduce incidence rates, but many people who should be screened aren't tested while the cancer is in early and curable stages. 

Specifically, "the American Cancer Society recommends testing for all people ages 50 years and over, and before 50 years of age for people with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps (small growths that can turn into cancer), and individuals with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn colitis). Women with cancer of the ovary or endometrium before the age of 50 also need to start testing earlier and are encouraged to speak with their primary care physician for more specific screening recommendations."

And, primary care physicians play an important role in reducing this type of cancer.  Just a recommendation from a general practitioner can be enough to spur people into getting tested early.  The Needham Public Health Department included these facts in their Needham Patch post:

During 2012

1. Approximately 141,210 new cases will be diagnosed
2. Approximately 49,380 people will die from the disease
3. 3000 of the new cases and 980 of the deaths will be in Massachusetts alone

This is a curable disease, provided it is caught early.  Do not postpone your screening, as it is the most important thing you can do to lower your risk. And, as always, follow these healthy lifestyle tips:

1. Get screened regularly
2. Be physically active
3. Maintain a healthy body weight
4. Eat less red meat
5. Limit the amount of alcohol consumed
6. Eat fruits, vegetable and whole grains
7. Do not smoke

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

5 Ways for You to Get Involved with Cancer Fundraising

Wednesday morning, I read an article about a cancer survivor getting a second shot at her life and her wedding pictures.  In June of 2011, Melinda Muniz married her long-time boyfriend while on her deathbed.  By October of that same year, she was undergoing chemotherapy and a half-match bone marrow transplant at Thomas Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia.  On February 8th, she and her husband were surprised by fellow cancer survivor, Jerry Tomko.  He provided flowers, a limo, and brand-new wedding pictures showing a cancer-free and smiling Muniz.  Tomko was also treated at Thomas Jefferson, and he used his skills to give back to another cancer survivor.

We may not all be amazing photographers, but everyone has some sort of special skill.  So, how can we harness our abilities to Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back?

1 - Volunteer!  On Wednesday, February 15th, the American Cancer Society held a volunteer orientation at their West Bridgewater office.  Did you miss it?  Not to worry - you can email Melissa at melissa.padeni@cancer.org to find out about volunteer opportunities or other orientation dates in the future.
 

2 - Support the Navigating Cancer Fund!   You can choose how the American Cancer Society uses your donation.  When you click on that link, it brings you to a page with information on the Impact Funds.  Some food for thought: 

3 - Lobby Day!  ACS-CAN's Massachusetts Lobby Day is set for March 14th, 2012.  You can RSVP via that link to Eileen Silvetri.  Refreshments will be available, and the event starts at 11 AM. 

4 - Become a Ribbon Sponsor!  For $1,500 you or your company (or your friend's company, or your neighbor's company, or that guy down the street who has his own pizza place...) can be a Relay For Life Ribbon Sponsor.  You will have your logo placed on a 4-food purple Ribbon that will line the track at our event.  Also, if you recruit a Ribbon Sponsor, the money donated will be counted toward your team total!  You can get more information from Melissa at melissa.padeni@cancer.org.

5 - Start a team and fundraise!  And, of course, we have no better way to get involved with the fight against cancer by starting a team and fundraising!  Go to our website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ and join us for June 15th and 16th.  And, if you need fundraising ideas, check out the ABC's of Fundraising! 

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

Spin For Hope - Sunday, March 4th, 2012

The American Cancer Society's Spin For Hope will be held on Sunday, March 4th.

Together we have raised $35,935.00! (as of 1/30/2012)

Spin for Hope is a three hour indoor cycling event for a great cause- the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.  Participant individually and cycle for the full three hours, or form a team and take turns cycling. 

Participants cycling the entire three hours should strive to raise at least $300.  Those registering as part of a team should strive to raise $100 each.

To find a club in your area, click here.  Be sure to check with your chosen club for bike availability and fundraising minimum requirements before registering online! Register before the end of the day, Sunday, February 12, 2012 to receive this year’s registration gift – a Spin for Hope reusable shopping bag.

In return for your fundraising efforts, Spin for Hope participants are eligible to receive special Spin for Hope gifts.  Click here to check them out! 

In addition to these gifts, all participants that raise $500 will also be eligible to receive one of the 2012 Spin for Hope technical jerseys.Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

Tomorrow is World Cancer Day!

First, a bit of housekeeping: 

**Let the games begin!!! The 2012 Relay season will officially kick off Tuesday, February 7th with a super training session to get you "in shape" for the Relay Olympics! Pick up your team captain packet, do some stretches, and find out what's new (besides the theme) in 2012!  Be there or be square!  St. Basil's in Bridgewater**

World Cancer Day 2012 is this Saturday, February 4th.  This year is themed ’Together it is possible’ because it is only by every person, organisation, government individually doing their part that the world will be able to reduce premature deaths from cancer and other NCDs by 25% by 2025.  We can use this day to reach out to the public, because it's only through all of us that the burden of cancer will be reduced. 

Here are some suggestions for what you can do to engage the public (all are taken directly from www.worldcancerday.org/dosomething):

LEVELS OF ENGAGEMENT

Level 1 - General public

(**This would be a good way to start asking for donations for our Relay For Life event!**)

You will be able to use the following activities to engage your network and the wider general public of your country on the burden of cancer, and in-turn raise the profile of World Cancer Day:

• Social media channels: Engage with your network via your Twitter / Facebook pages (global hashtags and key messages to share via social platforms are provided later in this toolkit).
• A special Facebook application will be launched for the occasion of World Cancer Day – be sure to use it and share it widely!
• Use the Cancer infographics: specially created for World Cancer Day 2012, these represent the global cancer burden in a visually engaging format (more information about these infographics can be found in the ‘Local activity guidance and toolkit overview‘ section of this document). Consider using these on your website and in member and media communications to support World Cancer Day.
• World Cancer Declaration: share the Declaration with your members, and other members of the public, and encourage them to sign-up on World Cancer Day.

Level 2 - General public / UICC member organisations and partners

(**Do you know any companies that might be willing to sponsor a portion of our Relay?  Email Melissa at melissa.padeni@cancer.org for information about Ribbon Sponsors!**)

• Add to the World Cancer Day online map of events and activities - Please share what you will be doing on / around World Cancer Day. The site is visited by media, individuals and organisations worldwide - therefore this is a great place to let the world know what you have planned – no matter how big or small.
• Engage with your corporate sponsors and other corporate or not-for-profit organisations in your country to encourage their support in World Cancer Day. They could help by organising fund raising activities on your behalf and/or by using World Cancer Day messaging in their internal and external communications mechanisms (newsletters, websites etc).
• Host a screening of ‘LIFE Before Death’: Members with a particular interest in palliative care and pain relief can support the Treat the Pain campaign by being part of a global film premiere series and hosting a screening of ‘LIFE Before Death’ - an award winning documentary film that raises awareness about inadequate access to palliative care and essential pain medicines. A special toolkit outlining ‘How to Host a Screening’ and ‘Presenter’s Notes’ is now available for download.

Level 3 - Advocacy push

(**You can join ACS-CAN!  For $10, you will be privy to everything done by the advocacy/lobbying arm of the American Cancer Society, and you'll find ways to help by engaging your local politicians!)

• Lobby your national policy makers and Ministers of Health, to support the adoption of cancer control targets and indicators at the upcoming World Health Assembly in May 2012. Full details and support for these efforts will be provided in the UICC Advocacy toolkit.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

Good News! Cancer Death Rates in the US Are Falling!

According to this recent article posted by Reuters, the American Cancer Society's annual report on cancer statistics shows a more than 1% drop in cancer death rates between the years of 2004 and 2008.  The report, released on Wednesday, also states that advances in screening and treatment have saved more than one million patients since the early '90s.  The biggest declines were among black men (2.4%) and Hispanic men (2.3%).  Death rates fell in the 4 most common cancers (Lung, Colon, Breast, and Prostate). 
Dr. Raymond DuBois, provost and executive vice president at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, stated that the rate of decline may be small, but it is significant as it has continued over the past 10 years of available data.  "It's not hitting the ball out of the park, but it had been going up several years prior to that. It's sign now that it is on the decline," DuBois said in a telephone interview with Reuters.

The report does have some bad news: there have been increases in 7 less common cancers, specifically Pancreatic, Liver, Thyroid, Kidney, Melanoma, Esophageal, and throat cancer associated with HPV (human papilomavirus).  Melanoma and throat cancers associated with HPV rose in whites only, and esophageal rose in whites and Hispanics.  While the reasoning for the increase isn't clear, researchers think early detection and obesity may play a role.

ACS projects 1.6 milion will be newly diagnosed and nearly 600,000 will die from cancer this year.  If you are like me and you think these number are STILL too high, you can FIGHT BACK by participating in Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3), which is a long-term study to better identify lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. 

CPS-3 will take about 30 - 60 minutes. Study participation typically involves:

• reading and signing an informed consent form
• completing a survey
• providing a waist circumference measurement
• providing a small blood sample (similar to a doctor’s visit)

At home you will receive periodic follow-up surveys, which will ask for information on lifestyle, behaviors, and other factors related to your health. Participants will also receive annual newsletters about ongoing research from Cancer Prevention Studies.

Enrollment for this study is taking place at the following sites:

Emerson Hospital Open Enrollment
April 25, 2012
Emerson Hospital
Cheney Conference Room
133 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner
Concord, MA 01742
Enrollment Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
To schedule your appointment click here or call toll free, 888-604-5888 for more information.

Relay For Life of North Reading
May 18, 2012
North Reading High School
189 Park Street
North Reading, MA 01864
Enrollment Hours: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Relay For Life of Attleboro
May 18, 2012
North Attleboro Middle School
564 Landry Avenue
North Attleboro, MA 02760
Enrollment Hours: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Relay For Life of Springfield
June 1, 2012
Springfield Community College - Blake Track
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109
Enrollment Hours: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Relay For Life of Peabody
June 15, 2012
Peabody Veterans Memorial High School
485 Lowell Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Enrollment Hours: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• be between 30 and 65 years old
• have no personal history of cancer (this does not include basal or squamous cell skin cancer)
• be willing to make a long-term commitment to the study which simply involves completing periodic follow-up questionnaires.

For more information, visit the CPS-3 website. 

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Also, The Concord Dream Team has announced a fundraiser Dinner Dance scheduled for March 3rd.  You can check out the details in the poster below: 

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

Celebrate the holidays by Fighting Back!

Your participation in Relay For Life is only the beginning of what you can do.  The Fight Back ceremony continues even after Relay ends.  Here are a few ways you and your loved onces can make an impact:

1 - Join the Cancer Action Network!

Advocacy is one of the ways the American Cancer Society is fighting back.  Defeating cancer is as much as matter of public policy as scientific discovery.  Every day, elected officials make decisions that affect the lives of more than 11 million cancer patients and survivors, their families and caregivers, and all those at risk for developing cancer.  Find out how you can join the growing number of people who are making a difference in the fight against cancer by working with local, state, and federal governments. (Source)  This year alone, Congress passed a budget for 2011 that included sizable cuts to cancer programs...not quite as deep as they had considered, but deep enough. You can read more about the cuts here.  

2 - Be healthy!

Sure, we all want to look our best, and sometimes we just want to fit into that bathing suit, dress or pants from last year.  But, did you know that a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of cancer?  The ACS recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity 5 times a week for adults and 60 minutes 5 times a week for children.  You should also maintain a healthy weight throughout your life, eat a healthy diet with emphasis on plant sources (eat your colors!), and limit your intake of alcoholic beverages (at most, one a day for women, two a day for men).  (Source)

3 - Quit smoking!

We've all heard the negatives of smoking (makes your clothing and hair smell, gives you premature wrinkles, stains your teeth).  And let's not forget the graphic pictures from different anti-smoking campaigns.  But did you know smoking increases your risk of cancer other than lung cancer?  We're talking many types of oral cancer, cancer of the sinuses, and even pancreatic cancer.  Besides, quitting means you have extra money to donate to your local Relay event!  =)  If you or someone you know wants to quit and needs help, here is a guide to help along the way.     

**Our next meeting is Tuesday, December 13th at 6:15 PM at St. Basil's Chapel in Bridgewater.  Hope to see you there!**

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.