Childhood Cancer Awareness Day

Did you know that September 13 is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day?

Today's post comes from www.candlelighters.org. Please click on the link at the bottom of the post to read the entire proclamation.


"Senate Passes Allard-Clinton 'National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day' Resolution
May 23, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C.– September 13, 2008 will now be recognized as "National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day" as a result of a Senate resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Wayne Allard (R-Colo.) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY).

"Never before in history has the dream of eliminating childhood cancer been so attainable, yet seemed so elusive," said Senator Allard. "We live in a nation where the effectiveness of treatments and technology offer hope to children who dream of a bright future. Each case of childhood cancer is a very personal tragedy that can strike any family with children, at anytime, anywhere. In setting aside September 13th to recognize this battle on cancer, we continue of our efforts to draw attention to the victims of childhood cancer and the great work of the families and organizations who continue the fight."

"We have made tremendous strides in the fight against childhood cancer, but far too many children still suffer and lose their lives to this illness. The more we know as a nation the better able we will be to prevent and treat the disease and help those who are battling and surviving pediatric cancers. National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day is an opportunity to reach out to all Americans with the facts about childhood cancer, and this day will be an important symbol of our commitment on all days to find a cure," said Senator Clinton.

Childhood cancer is the number one disease killer and the second overall leading cause of death of children in the United States. More than 10,000 children under the age of 15 in the United States are diagnosed with cancer annually."
http://www.candlelighters.org/Awareness/ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth.aspx

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month

As the 1950's daughter of a mom who took DES this type cancer holds a special interest to me. "DES (Diethylstilbestrol) is a synthetic form of estrogen that was prescribed between 1938 and 1971 to help women with certain complications of pregnancy. DES has been linked to clear cell adenocarcinoma, an uncommon cancer of the vagina or cervix, in daughters of women who used DES during pregnancy."*
I've been tested somewhat extensively since the 80's and so far nothing has turned up. But it is important for all women to know about their risks, what the signs are and what can help prevent these cancers specific to our gender.

"Gynecologic Cancer is cancer of the female reproductive system, which includes cervical cancer, endometrial/uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer and peritoneal cancer. In the last two decades, considerable gains have been made in the detection and treatment of these cancers. When detected in early stages, most gynecologic cancers have a good cure rate.

What you can do…

See your health care provider for a pelvic exam and Pap smear annually.

Use condoms to reduce the risk of all sexually transmitted diseases.

See your health care provider if you experience any vaginal bleeding between periods or postmenopausal bleeding, vaginal discharge or bleeding after intercourse, unusual abdominal bloating or changes in bladder or bowel function.

Quit smoking.

Maintain a healthy body weight.

Discuss your cancer risk factors and family history with your health care provider."

From http://www.cpmc.org/services/women/health/Gyn-cancers.html

And a couple more suggestions from me:

Watch this short, well-done video to become more informed about the dangers of gynecological cancer.

Share this information with a woman you love.

http://www.cancervideo.tv/video/K72MY6UKO16O/Gynecologic-Cancer

* Parker Waichman Alonso