How the American Cancer Society Might Provide Education and Support - Essay Example

According to statistics published by the ACS, 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?

            One out of every 8 women is at risk of developing breast cancer in the US. There are many factors like age, genetic history, smoking, obesity, and alcohol use, which increase the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer in American women.  Yearly screening tests starting after age 40 should be made compulsory for every woman on a national level to affect the rising figures over time. Prostate cancer is a very common cancer found in American men. One out of every 6 men is at risk of this cancer. Like in the case of breast cancer, PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) screenings and DRE (Digital rectal exams) can help to detect cancer at a stage when it is most treatable. These tests should be made compulsory also.

Select a research program from among those funded by the ACS. Describe the program and discuss what impact the research will have on the prevention or treatment of cancer.

            Prevention based on physical activity and tobacco control is an important area of research that is funded by the ACS. This can help in the prevention and treatment of cancer because research is focused on how tobacco control and good physical activity interfere with the incidence of cancer. Tobacco control research particularly emphasizes analyzing the economics of tobacco control in low and middle-income communities. The results then serve to introduce important policy changes.