October 2009 Archives

Statement of Otis W. Brawley, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, American Cancer Society in Response to New York Times Article on Cancer Screening

"Today's New York Times article 'In Shift, Cancer Society Has Concerns on Screening' indicates that the American Cancer Society is changing its guidance on cancer screening to emphasize the risk of overtreatment from screening for breast, prostate, and other cancers.

"While the advantages of screening for some cancers have been overstated, there are advantages, especially in the case of breast, colon and cervical cancers. Mammography is effective - mammograms work and women should continue get them. Seven clinical trials tell us that screening with mammography and clinical breast exam do reduce risk of breast cancer death. This test is beneficial in that it saves lives, but it is not perfect. It can miss cancers that need treatment, and in some cases finds disease that does not need treatment. Understanding these limitations will help researchers develop better screening tests. The American Cancer Society stands by its recommendation that women age 40 and over should receive annual mammography, and women at high risk should talk with their doctors about when screening should begin based on their family history.

"The bottom line is that mammography has helped avert deaths from breast cancer, and we can make more progress against the disease if more women age 40 and older get an annual mammogram.

"Since 1997 the American Cancer Society has recommended that men talk to their doctor and make an informed decision about whether or not prostate cancer early detection testing is right for them. This recommendation also still stands.

"Cancer is a very complex and complicated disease. The American Cancer Society makes evidence-based cancer screening recommendations, and strives to provide clear messages about cancer screening to patients and doctors. Our guidelines are constantly under review to evaluate them as new evidence becomes available. Simple messages are not always possible, and over-simplifying them can in fact do a disservice to the very people we serve."

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

In the fight against cancer, sharing hope and community are important as news of the latest medical breakthroughs.  Thus, CancerNewsNow.org was created to serve as the central hub for cancer related news and information.  Jackie Bayly-Bryant, Vice President of Communication states, "Our CancerNewsNow.org site provides media and our constituents with localized cancer-related news from the American Cancer Society, High Plains Division which covers Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Hawaii.  It is the official voice of the High Plains Division of the American Cancer Society."

    Through the website, people will be able to read about cancer breakthroughs, stories of hope, the impact the Society is making in the fight against cancer and much more.  In regards to the benefits and future goals of CancerNewsNow.org, Bayly-Bryant wants the media and public to know "those who register can stay in touch with our division's news and updates.  We will also provide links to our regional e-newsletters which offer a community-based focus on activities." In addition, CancerNewsNow.org provides several links for readers to share stories and news through other social mediums such as Facebook and Twitter.

    A part of the fight against cancer is awareness so it is our goal here at the American Cancer Society to provide accurate and timely information through CancerNewsNow.org against a disease that has already taken too much.

             The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at1-800-227-2345or visitcancer.org. 

Challenge Grant Deadline Extended Thanks to Your Support

 

     In a mere 38 days, the generosity of local media and donors helped the American Cancer Society raise over $400,000 during its 38 Days to Hope campaign to support Hope Lodge Lubbock. To complete construction of Hope Lodge Lubbock, the Society now needs less than $100,000.                                                              

     "This remarkable achievement has been recognized by the donor who promised a challenge capstone gift of a $1 million gift if we raised $10 million by October 1," said Don Curry, co-chair for the Hope Lodge Lubbock campaign. "The donor has extended the offer to November 1. We feel confident that the people of West Texas and eastern New Mexico will continue to open their hearts and their pocketbooks to create this much-needed facility that will greatly ease the lives of cancer patients coming to Lubbock for treatment."

    Each year, Hope Lodge Lubbock will offer 11,680 free housing nights to an estimated 2,200 patients traveling to Lubbock's health care facilities to receive the most effective treatment. Cancer patients will save an estimated $1.3 million annually in hotel expenses.

     Hope Lodge Lubbock, located at 3511 10^th Street, will be the first in Texas and the first located outside a major metropolitan area anywhere in the United States. The 32-room facility will include private guest rooms, kitchen and laundry facilities, dining room, library, and prayer room.

     Help us secure the remaining $92,000! Make a gift to Hope Lodge Lubbock. Three easy ways to donate:

• Visit www.hopelodgelubbock.org
• Call               806.792.7128         806.792.7128
• Mail your gift to American Cancer Society

                              3411 73^rd Street

                              Lubbock, Texas 79423.  

 

     For details on naming opportunities, contact Mikell Bollinger, director of major gifts for the American Cancer Society, at               806.792.7128         806.792.7128.

     To build Hope Lodge Lubbock and sustain its operations, ACS must raise a grand total of $15 million. To date, the Hope Lodge capital campaign has raised more than $9.6 million. For more details about Hope Lodge Lubbock, contact your American Cancer Society at 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.hopelodgelubbock.org.