The American Cancer Society (ACS) Is A Nationwide Community
The American Cancer Society Acs Is A Nationwide Community Based Vo
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. It focuses on helping individuals stay healthy, get well, find cures, and fight cancer through education, support, and research efforts.
Critical Thinking Questions: Imagine that a family friend or colleague has just been diagnosed with cancer. Explain how the American Cancer Society might provide education and support. What ACS services would you recommend and why? According to statistics published by the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 1.5 million new cancer cases diagnosed each year over the next decade. What factors contribute to the yearly incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in Americans? What changes in policy and practice are most likely to affect these figures over time? Select a research program from among those funded by the American Cancer Society. Describe the program and discuss what impact the research will have on the prevention or treatment of cancer.
Paper For Above instruction
The American Cancer Society (ACS) plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer by providing a comprehensive range of educational resources and services aimed at empowering patients and their families. When a person receives a cancer diagnosis, they often face a whirlwind of emotional, psychological, and practical challenges. ACS addresses these challenges by offering tailored support services designed to foster understanding, resilience, and hope.
One of the primary ways ACS assists newly diagnosed patients is through its Patient Navigation Program. This program helps individuals understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and the healthcare system. Navigators are often trained professionals or volunteers who guide patients through complex medical procedures, appointment scheduling, and insurance issues, reducing feelings of confusion and helplessness (American Cancer Society, 2020). Additionally, ACS provides access to a vast array of educational materials, including brochures, online resources, and support group information. These materials are crafted to demystify medical terminology and provide clear guidance on managing symptoms, side effects, and emotional wellbeing.
Beyond informational support, ACS offers emotional and psychosocial services through its national network of support groups and counseling services. These serve as vital sources of comfort and understanding for patients and families grappling with the challenges of cancer. For example, the Look Good Feel Better program aims to boost self-esteem and confidence among cancer patients by teaching skincare and styling techniques that help them cope with treatment-related changes in appearance (American Cancer Society, 2019). Such programs help mitigate the stigma and emotional distress associated with cancer and its treatment.
Financial and logistical support are also critical components of ACS services. The organization provides transportation assistance, transportation to treatment centers, and financial aid for treatment-related expenses, which can be overwhelming for many families. These efforts help ensure that financial constraints do not prevent access to essential care (American Cancer Society, 2021).
In addition, ACS advocates for cancer prevention and early detection through community outreach and screening programs. For example, free or low-cost screenings for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers are regularly promoted in underserved communities. Early detection significantly increases treatment success rates, making these services vital in reducing overall cancer mortality (American Cancer Society, 2022).
Focusing on prevention, I would recommend the American Cancer Society’s Nutrition and Physical Activity programs to a newly diagnosed patient. These programs promote healthy lifestyle choices that reduce the risk of recurrence and improve overall health outcomes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and adopting a balanced diet. Evidence suggests that lifestyle modifications can lower the risk of several cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers (World Cancer Research Fund, 2018). Therefore, integrating these educational programs into a patient’s post-treatment plan can have a profound impact on their long-term health.
Regarding the incidence and mortality rates of cancer, several factors influence these statistics. Genetic predispositions play a role in individual susceptibility, yet lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption significantly contribute to cancer risk (American Cancer Society, 2020). Environmental exposures to carcinogens, including pollution and occupational hazards, further elevate risk levels. Advances in detection technology and treatment have also impacted mortality rates, often leading to earlier diagnosis and improved survival (Siegel et al., 2021).
Policy changes that encourage smoking bans, restrict carcinogenic exposures, and promote vaccination programs (e.g., HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer) can substantially influence future incidence and mortality rates. For instance, policies aimed at reducing smoking have led to a notable decline in lung cancer mortality over recent decades (CDC, 2022). Furthermore, increased funding for preventive services and research can accelerate the development of targeted therapies and early detection methods, ultimately reducing cancer burden.
Among the various research programs funded by the American Cancer Society, the Lung Cancer Prevention and Early Detection initiative exemplifies a promising area. This program focuses on developing less invasive screening techniques, such as blood-based biomarkers, to identify lung cancer at its earliest stages (American Cancer Society, 2018). Given that lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, this research aims to improve early diagnosis, thereby increasing treatment success rates. Early detection strategies could lead to more personalized and effective interventions, reducing mortality and improving patient quality of life.
The potential impact of this research extends beyond lung cancer, as successful development and validation of minimally invasive screening tools could be adapted to other high-risk cancers. Moreover, this program supports policy efforts to implement widespread screening initiatives, particularly for high-risk populations, thereby contributing to national cancer control strategies.
In conclusion, the American Cancer Society provides vital educational, emotional, and logistical support to cancer patients, while its research initiatives significantly contribute to understanding and combating the disease. Policies aimed at reducing risk factors, coupled with innovative research, are essential to decreasing both the incidence and mortality rates of cancer. Continued investment in prevention, early detection, and treatment research holds promise for a future where cancer becomes a more manageable and less lethal disease.
References
American Cancer Society. (2018). Lung Cancer Screening and Early Detection Program. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/
American Cancer Society. (2019). Look Good Feel Better Program. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/
American Cancer Society. (2020). Cancer Facts & Figures 2020. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/
American Cancer Society. (2021). Financial and Logistic Support Services. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/
American Cancer Society. (2022). Cancer Screening Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Smoking and Tobacco Use — Data and Trends. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/
Siegel, R. L., Miller, K. D., Fuchs, H. E., et al. (2021). Cancer Statistics, 2021. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 71(1), 7-33. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21654
World Cancer Research Fund. (2018). Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective. Retrieved from https://www.wcrf.org/