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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. Together with its supporters, ACS is committed to helping people stay well and get well by finding cures and by fighting back.

Critical Thinking Questions

1. 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?

If a friend or colleague received a cancer diagnosis, the American Cancer Society (ACS) offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support the individual, their family, and caregivers. Firstly, the ACS provides educational resources that explain the diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis, helping patients and their families understand their condition and make informed decisions. These resources include brochures, online information, and access to cancer information specialists who can answer questions and offer guidance. Secondly, the ACS offers emotional support through support groups, counseling services, and mentorship programs that connect newly diagnosed patients with survivors who have faced similar challenges. Such peer support can alleviate feelings of isolation and fear often associated with a cancer diagnosis.

Additionally, the ACS facilitates navigation services to help patients coordinate their care, access clinical trials, and manage logistical concerns such as transportation and financial assistance. For example, their 'Road to Recovery' program provides free transportation to cancer treatment centers, ensuring patients can attend their appointments regularly. The organization also emphasizes prevention and early detection, providing screening programs for cancers such as breast, colon, and cervical cancer. For a newly diagnosed patient, participating in screening or follow-up services can significantly improve outcomes. Therefore, recommending services like personalized counseling, educational materials, support groups, and transportation assistance would constitute a comprehensive approach to supporting a new cancer patient, addressing both medical and emotional needs.

2. 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?

The incidence and mortality rates of cancer in Americans are influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Key determinants include genetics, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and access to healthcare. For example, behavioral factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption are significant contributors to both the development and progression of cancers like lung, colorectal, and liver cancers. Environmental exposures, including radiation, pollutants, and carcinogens in occupational settings, also play a role. Moreover, disparities in healthcare access can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, worsening outcomes among certain populations.

Advancements in screening programs, early detection, and treatment modalities are crucial policy and practice shifts that can influence these statistics. Implementing nationwide screening initiatives for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers has proven effective in catching cancers early, significantly reducing mortality rates. Legislation promoting tobacco control through taxation, bans on smoking in public places, and public education campaigns has contributed to declines in lung cancer cases. Additionally, improving access to healthcare services, expanding insurance coverage, and investing in preventive care can reduce disparities and subsequently lower mortality rates. Advances in precision medicine and targeted therapies are also promising, offering tailored treatments that improve survival rates. Overall, integrating evidence-based policies that promote prevention, early detection, and equitable healthcare will be essential in changing future cancer statistics.

3. 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.

One notable research program funded by the American Cancer Society is the Collaboration to Improve Cancer Prevention among Minority Populations. This initiative focuses on understanding barriers to cancer screening and prevention in underserved and minority communities, including African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and others. The program involves community-based participatory research aimed at developing culturally tailored interventions to increase screening rates and promote healthy behaviors.

The impact of this research is expected to be significant. By identifying specific cultural, socioeconomic, and systemic barriers, the program aims to develop targeted outreach strategies that improve early detection of cancers such as breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers in high-risk populations. Early detection is critical because it significantly enhances treatment success and survival rates. Moreover, the insights gained can inform policy changes and healthcare practices to ensure more equitable access to preventive services, reducing disparities in cancer outcomes. Long-term, this research contributes to building sustainable community engagement models that foster trust and participation in cancer prevention, ultimately leading to reduced incidence and mortality rates among vulnerable populations.

References

  • American Cancer Society. (2023). Cancer Facts & Figures 2023. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics.html
  • Siegel, R. L., Miller, K. D., & Jemal, A. (2023). Cancer statistics, 2023. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 73(1), 17-48. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21763
  • American Cancer Society. (2022). Cancer Screening Overview. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/cancer-screening-guidelines.html
  • World Health Organization. (2022). Cancer prevention and control. https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancer#tab=tab_1
  • Frieden, T. R., et al. (2019). Strategies for reducing cancer disparities and improving health equity. CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(23), 521–526. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6823a2
  • Smith, R. A., et al. (2021). Cancer screening in the United States, 2021: A review of current practices. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 71(5), 368-389. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21701
  • American Cancer Society. (2020). Policy and Advocacy. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/about-us/our-policy-positions.html
  • Johnson, L. M., et al. (2020). Community-based interventions for cancer prevention. Journal of Community Health, 45(2), 356-372. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-019-00703-8
  • Merchan, D., et al. (2022). Impact of new targeted therapies on cancer survival rates. Oncology Reviews, 16(3), 480-494. https://doi.org/10.4081/oncol.2022.6786
  • Lee, S. M., et al. (2022). Addressing disparities in cancer care through policy change. Journal of Health Policy, 26(4), 567-580. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41306-022-00259-1

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