7 Things to Consider Before You Decide Whether to Get Screened
Many people are still reluctant to get cancer screenings or treatment, but experts suggest you consider several factors before making a decision.
Cancer Information
Get the latest cancer-related information, including screening recommendations, treatment, technology, risk factors, and statistics. For additional information and resources, we encourage you to sign up for our AWARE newsletter.Should COVID-19 Put Your Screening and Treatment Plans on Hold?
“Fear of contracting the coronavirus in health care settings has dissuaded people from screening, diagnosis, and treatment,” Norman E. Sharpless, MD, director of the National Cancer Institute, wrote in Science magazine. “In general, the earlier one receives cancer treatment, the better the results. Cancers being missed now will still come to light eventually, but at a later stage and with worse prognoses.”
What You Need to Know About Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, with an estimated 228,820 new cases diagnosed in 2020 according to the American Cancer Society. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, or if you want to learn about lung cancer screenings and how to prevent or treat lung cancer, here’s what you need to know.
U.S. Death Rates From Cancer Show Steep Decline
A cancer diagnosis is never good news, but for U.S. residents, a cancer diagnosis is more survivable than ever before.
Tips for Protecting Your Skin This Summer
Warm weather is a great opportunity to get outside. Being in nature has a number of health benefits, including fighting depression and anxiety, reducing stress, improving mood, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cancer risk, but while you’re enjoying the outdoors, don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.
Family Connections: Understanding the Genetics of Disease
Last fall, Middlebury resident Paula Connolly attended a community education program at the Leever Cancer Center. The topic: the genetics of breast cancer. Some 3,000 miles away in Dublin, Ireland, Paula’s sister, Helen, was also engaged in a bit of genetic discovery. One of their cousins, Margaret (whose mom and sister died in their early forties), determined she would explore the possibility that faulty genes might be at the heart of the family’s common diagnosis; and she asked her Aunt Kathleen (who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 76) if she would be willing to participate in genetic testing. Kathleen’s results revealed a BRCA 2 gene mutation.
Protecting Yourself Against Skin Cancer
Summer is on its way, which means more time spent outdoors. While getting fresh air and exercise is a great way to improve and maintain your health, there’s one thing about the summer sun that isn’t so positive: skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Prevention: Tips and Q & A
Cancer of the skin is the most common of all cancers. Approximately 5.4 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed each year, about 80% of which are basal-cell type. Melanomas account for about 1% of skin cancers, but they are by far the most dangerous, and the rate of melanomas has been rising for the last 30 years.
Five Things Every Woman Needs to Know about Breast and Lung Cancer
One in three women will develop cancer in her lifetime.
But there is hope. With many screening tools available to women of all ages and with greater awareness of our own bodies, prevention and early intervention are becoming increasingly possible.
Spotlight on Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling provides valuable insight into family cancer risks. It’s a fact: Ten percent of all cancers are hereditary.