October brings awareness to breast, lung cancers

October is known for Halloween and cooler weather, but it is also known as a month for awareness of breast and liver cancers.

Chances are we’ll see pink ribbons on numerous products at the grocery store. We’ll also see pink during athletic events — NFL and college football players will throw pink into their uniforms and gear during October. However, Liver Cancer Awareness Month, which is symbolized by a green ribbon, does not get as touted.

Cancer, in any form, is something that touches people’s lives. According to a study from the American Cancer Society, about 1.68 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed this year. The study also states that about 595,690 Americans are expected to die of cancer in 2016, which “translates to about 1,630 people per day.”

According to information from the Centers of Disease Control, more than 200,000 women in the United States get “breast cancer each year in the United States and more than 40,000 women die from the disease.”

While breast cancer cases are found in women 50 years and older, about 10 percent of new cases are found in women younger than 45. Less than 1 percent of breast cancer cases occur in men.

This year, an estimated 39,230 adults — 28,410 men and 10,820 women — in the United States will be diagnosed with primary liver cancer, according to Cancer.net.

Cancer is something that affects not only its victims, but also their families and friends. Many people know someone who has fought cancer. If someone is diagnosed with the disease, there are many resources and communities where they can find help and support.

There are numerous opportunities for people to help in the fight against cancer.

One way is to volunteer at local cancer awareness events, such as the Relay For Life and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which are both held in the spring. People can also contribute to the numerous charities that raise money for cancer research and support.

One of these is Eastern Washington University football’s “Believe Campaign.” Fans or community members can purchase a T-shirt for $15 and the proceeds go to the Community Cancer Fund, which is an organization that focuses on fighting cancer in the Inland Northwest and provides funding for local cancer screening, research and prevention programs, as well as assists cancer patients and their families.

When you are deciding to contribute to a charity, it’s important to understand where the money goes. In 2015, the Community Cancer Fund raised $687,000 and donated the proceeds to various local organizations that helps patients and their families, including $500,000 to start an endowment fund for Camp Goodtimes with the YMCA.

The American Cancer Society, one of the more well-known cancer awareness organizations, spends 59 cents per dollar on programs that supports its mission. It does have an administrative budget and spends about 34 percent on fundraising.

Another way to fight cancer is to get screened for it. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that anyone at 50 to 74 years old, should have mammograms every two years. But don’t just go in for a mammogram, get screened for different cancers as well.

Cancer is like many diseases and we don’t really think about getting checked for it until we start to feel sick. However, it’s important to visit the doctor and get examined for any cancer, even if you think you are healthy.

Getting screened for cancer early could help in preventing it from spreading.