Cancer Control Month is observed during the month of April every year. It is a national observance that aims to educate people about living healthy lives and making lifestyle choices that decrease the risk of cancer. The month-long observance is also an attempt to recognize the struggles of people with cancer and work towards reducing their struggles and burdens. All around the country, people come together to raise awareness and share cancer information. The aim is to ensure that more people know about the ways of prevention, early detection, and cancer treatment.
History of Cancer Control Month
Cancer Control Month is observed in April every year throughout the country. This national observance was instituted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who saw that cancer was as deadly as the wars that people were fighting. However, people were not aware of the effects of cancer, let alone ways of preventing and managing it. To ensure that all Americans would be educated about cancer and how to control the disease, President Roosevelt decided to declare April as Cancer Control Month. Medical professionals, institutes, educators, and all other individuals were called upon to raise awareness about cancer.
The primary aim of Cancer Control Month is prevention. Avoiding some risk factors can reduce the chances of people having cancer. The first step to preventing these risk factors involves understanding cancer risks. Some risks are commonly known, like smoking. Other risk factors that increase an individual’s chances of developing cancer include alcohol consumption, viral infections like H.P.V., exposure to radiation (including radiation from the sun), old age, obesity, and specific chemicals.
Cancer Control Month also aims to raise awareness about early screening for cancer to ensure early detection of the disease, which increases the chances of survival. Early detection is possible through regular procedures such as mammograms and colonoscopies and consulting with doctors about surgery or medication if there is a history of cancer in your immediate family. Finally, the month also aims to research cancer, its possible causes, treatments, and eventually, a cure. The research is directed towards improving current treatments and survival rates among people with cancer and improving their quality of life.
Cancer Control Month timeline
President Roosevelt declares the first Cancer Control Month after seeing American people dying of cancer in large numbers.
The link between smoking and cancer is discovered as scientists study the cancer epidemic in the 1950s.
Pap tests, developed in the 1920s, start being used as a screening test for cancer.
Dr. Harald Zur Hausen discovers that H.P.V. plays a role in causing cervical cancer.
Cancer Control Month FAQs
At what stage does cancer spread?
When cancer spreads to distant parts of the body from where it originated, it has reached stage four.
Can a tumor grow overnight?
Yes, tumors grow overnight, and nighttime is the best time for tumors to grow.
Is Stage four always terminal?
Stage four is not always terminal, it just needs a stronger treatment plan.
How to Observe Cancer Control Month
Spread the word
The most important part of Cancer Control Month is spreading awareness about avoiding risk factors and preventing cancer. Spread the word among your family, friends, and community so that they are informed.
Get screened for cancer
One of the best ways to observe Cancer Control Month is to take the necessary precautions to prevent cancer. Get yourself screened today!
Donate to the N.F.C.R.
The National Foundation for Cancer Research works to improve treatments for cancer and find a cure. They rely on donations for this life-saving research. Consider donating to them this Cancer Control Month.
5 Facts To Know About Cancer
There are cancers common among women
The most common cancer among women is breast cancer, followed by lung cancer.
Indoor tanning is worse than smoking
There are more cases of skin cancer caused by indoor tanning than there are lung cancer cases caused by smoking.
Half the cancer deaths are preventable
Researchers believe that about half of cancer-related deaths, and even half of the cancer cases in the world, are preventable.
There are over 14 different diagnostic tests
Cancer is not one disease — there are many types and subtypes, and diagnostic methods have been developed to identify the different types of cancer.
Naked mole rats may be the solution
Naked mole rats are immune to cancer, so scientists are studying them to find a possible cure.
Why Cancer Control Month is Important
We want to prevent needless suffering
We think that no one should have to suffer from cancer when over half of the cancers are preventable. We want to make sure that everyone is aware of the risk factors.
We want to support survivors
We do not want to see people struggling if we can help it. We want to support the goal of improving the quality of life of people with cancer.
We want to help find a cure
We think that it is high time that a cure is found for this deadly disease. We want to donate and do our part to support the researchers looking for a cure.
Cancer Control Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 1 | Saturday |
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