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April is recognized as National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month.
This observance was led by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, along with the support of 84 additional organizations, to raise awareness and reduce the impact of cancer on individuals, families, and communities.
“We hope it serves an important reminder to the public that they have the power to take charge of their health with lifestyle changes and routine screenings, because early detection equals better outcomes,” said Jody Hoyos, CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, in a previous press release.
Let’s dive into what resources are available and how you can speak up for cancer prevention!
Resources for Raising Awareness
One aim of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month is to raise awareness by providing an entryway to educate the public about the importance of cancer prevention and early detection through healthy behaviors and routine screenings.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation has created screening and prevention resources through their resource hub, including a screening quiz and guide to preventing cancer.
The resource hub and all of its materials are also available in Spanish.
“When we work together, we can make significant progress in reducing the cancer death rate by at least half, preventing more than four million cancer deaths by 2047, and improving the experience of people touched by cancer, as envisioned by the Cancer Moonshot,” according to the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
April’s designation also aims to inspire action through empowering individuals to take control of their health by adopting healthier behaviors and getting routine screenings and encouraging corporations and organizations to support their employees in these actions.
Information and resources on free and low-cost cancer screenings, testing and vaccinations are also available through Prevent Cancer.
During this month, the Prevent Cancer Foundation encourages the mobilization of resources by encouraging public and private investment in cancer prevention and early detection initiatives, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced health care costs.
Individuals can download a screening and vaccination overview in English and Spanish.
For partners and other organizations looking to spread awareness, a downloadable partner toolkit is also available.
Screening and Cancer Prevention
Cancer screening can help catch cancer early when it is more treatable.
However, data from the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 2023 Early Detection Survey found that breast cancer screening rates differ for some: Latino participants (46%), Black participants (61%) and white participants (63%).
With some suffering from higher cancer rates, it’s important to make sure they’re getting the proper screening at the right time.
“Early detection of cancer can mean less extensive treatment, more treatment options and better chances of survival,” according to the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
The Importance of Clinical Trials
Cancer screenings are important to catch cancer early.
To fight cancer on a broader level, clinical trials are another important action.
Clinical trials help us fight for our familia.
Clinical trials are studies that help researchers learn more to help slow, manage, and treat Alzheimer’s and cancer for current and future family members. But without volunteers for clinical trials, the benefits may miss this group.
Visit our clinical trials page to find a clinical trial, read about hero volunteers, and more!
“Volunteers in clinical trials are not only helping themselves, but they’re also building a future with better treatments that can help their families in the future,” said Dr. Amelie Ramirez, director of Salud America! and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio.
Those looking for opportunities based in San Antonio can search the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio’s Find a Clinical Trial database to learn more about available clinical trials and eligibility requirements.
On a national level, visit clinicaltrials.gov to find a clinical trial near you.
By The Numbers
142
Percent
Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years
