Be Fearless, Save Lives during Cancer Prevention Month

During the earlier days of COVID-19, cancer prevention screenings decreased by nearly 90% in the first half of 2020. Some projections suggest that over 2,200 women will die of breast cancer alone by 2030 due to the decrease of screenings during the pandemic. Since February is National Cancer Prevention Month, The Cancer Support Center (CSC) has a call to action: Be fearless, get cancer-preventing screenings and shots, and save lives!

Due to the pandemic, there have been significant reductions in cancer screenings received by women. Through CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, screenings declined by 87% for breast cancer and 84% for cervical cancer during April 2020 compared with the previous 5-year averages for that month.

Prolonged delays in screening related to the pandemic may lead to delayed diagnoses, poor health consequences, and increased cancer disparities to those already experiencing health inequities. Early cancer detection and diagnosis saves lives, so CSC dedicates February to educating community members in the Southland about the critical importance of screenings and vaccines.

“In delaying cancer screenings and vaccines, whether due to COVID-19 or lack of awareness, we run the risk of the greatest tragedy, the loss of life,” said Sue Armato, Executive Director of CSC. “Early detection from screenings undoubtedly saves lives, and the HPV vaccine saves the lives of women and men by eliminating the virus that causes over six cancers. Do not delay. Do not be afraid. Be fearless. We are here to support you getting this life-saving care.”

At The Cancer Support Center, an exciting initiative called Kick It Cancer (KIC) addresses health inequities around cancer in eight communities in the Southland, where there are higher cancer rates and higher morbidity rates than other Illinois communities. Kick It Cancer works with local leaders and residents in these communities to bring resources and supports to reduce cancer risk.

“We have a program, called Kick It Cancer, that can help if you are not sure where to start or have questions,” said Shamiah Byrd, Program Director of Kick It Cancer at CSC. “KIC is an initiative in the Southland that not only encourages residents to get their cancer screenings but is also here to provide help and support along the way. KIC can help you find accessible healthcare and address any reasons you have for not getting those screenings and shots. We must break this terrible cycle and reduce cancer occurrence and deaths.”

At The Center, there are survivors nearly every day who can speak to the importance of cancer screenings as a means to catch their cancers, hopefully at earlier stages so that life-saving treatments can begin. One of The Center’s participants, Christina, shares how mammogram screening found her breast cancer early so that the treatment was less invasive and her prognosis was much better. Hear Christina's story here.

February is Cancer Prevention Month, and The Cancer Support Center urges all to get their cancer screenings, including mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate exams, pap exams, and the HPV vaccine. Be fearless and save lives is The Center’s call to action.

The Cancer Support Center exists to provide strength, guidance, and support to anyone impacted by cancer - whoever and wherever they are. Our evidence-based programs and services are created and delivered personally, virtually, and in ideal settings by professional therapists, counselors, nutritionists, and healthcare experts, and our resources are available and accessible to all through many communities, channels, and tools. CSC can provide all of this at no cost to our participants near and far because of the dedication of our donors, benefactors, volunteers, and friends who know how critical this depth of support is for people not just to survive to thrive. The Center has two locations: 19645 S. LaGrange Road, Mokena, Illinois 60448, and 2028 Elm Road, Homewood, Illinois 60430, and is available to all online at www.cancersupportcenter.org.