National Cancer Prevention Month and World Cancer Day Observed

During the month of February, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health will observe National Cancer Prevention Month, created by the American Institute for Cancer Research to raise awareness about cancer prevention. The goal of National Cancer Prevention Month is to promote healthier lifestyle choices – such as regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight – which is believed to reduce the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis.

Tips for living a healthier lifestyle include:

• Avoid tobacco use and second-hand smoke
• Routinely use sunscreen to protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays
• Make healthy food choices – choose plant-based foods, limit red meat and avoid processed foods and meats
• Exercise regularly – participate in physical activity each day for at least 30 minutes
• Limit alcohol intake
• Maintain a healthy weight

Coinciding with National Cancer Prevention Month is World Cancer Day – held on February 4 – which is an initiative, developed by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), to reduce the number of preventable cancer deaths each year. World Cancer Day serves as a reminder that certain cancers can be prevented and that lives can be saved with early detection and access to quality cancer care.

Various cancer screenings are available, making it easier for cancer to be diagnosed in its earlier stages, thus greatly improving one’s changes of survival. University of Maryland Shore Regional Health offers the following cancer screenings annually:

• Skin Cancer Screening: This screening is held annually in May. The Cancer Center partners with local dermatologists and plastic surgeons to offer skin cancer screenings – free of charge. This year’s screening will be held on Thursday, May 18, from 5-8pm, at Easton Dermatology Associates, 403 Marvel Court, Easton.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: This screening is held annually in September. The Cancer Center partners with local urologists to offer PSA testing and digital prostate screening. The event – held last year in Easton and Chestertown – is coordinated by the Cancer Center and local organizations such as Talbot County NAACP, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center and the Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance program (MOTA).

Other recommended cancer screenings include mammography, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams, all of which can detect breast cancer, and the Pap test, which can detect cervical cancer and pre-cancerous cells.

Patients are encouraged to talk with their health care providers to determine if cancer screenings are advised, at what age and how often they should be completed.

The Cancer Program at UM Shore Regional Health offers a multitude of diagnostic services, treatment options, breast health services, support groups, outreach programs and clinical trials for many forms of cancer. The Program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, which grants accreditation to cancer treatment facilities that deliver quality patient care through a variety of cancer-related programs focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease and end-of-life care.

“Team members of the Cancer Program at Shore Regional Health take great pride in the outreach and cancer prevention initiatives that are available to the residents of our region,” comments Brian Leutner, director of Oncology Services, UM Shore Regional Health. “Those that find themselves in need of cancer care – for themselves or a loved one – can take comfort in the accessibility of diagnostic, treatment and support services, and innovative, compassionate care, close to home.”

To learn more about the comprehensive services offered by the Cancer Program, visit them online at UMShoreRegional.org/cancer_program. For additional information about upcoming screenings offered by the Cancer Center, call 410-820-6800.