Pennsylvania Secretary Of Health Stresses Importance Of Cancer Awareness, Education

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 06 Sep 2008 - 1:00 PST

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With the "Stand Up to Cancer" national telethon airing tonight, Secretary of Health Dr. Calvin B. Johnson is reminding Pennsylvanians to educate themselves about cancer and the resources available through the Department of Health.

The telethon, aimed at increasing cancer awareness and raising money to support life-saving research, will be carried by the ABC, CBS and NBC networks.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Pennsylvania and more than 195 new cases are diagnosed each day. More than half of these cases are considered to be preventable. Statistics like these are a reminder about the importance of prevention.

"Cancer is a disease that affects people from all walks of life, it does not discriminate against race, gender, or age," said the secretary. "We encourage all Pennsylvanians to empower themselves by learning more about cancer, as well as preventive measures and the importance of screenings for early detection."

The Department of Health offers a number of services to help educate people about cancer. These services include: free public education on prostate, skin, ovarian and colorectal cancers through its new statewide initiative called the Pennsylvania Cancer Education Network; free breast and cervical cancer screening for low income, uninsured or underinsured women 40-64 years of age; free treatment for breast or cervical cancer for eligible women; free smoking cessation programs, which provide counseling and assistance for individuals who are committed to quitting; and free resource guides for families facing cancer.

Pennsylvania Department of Health
http://www.health.state.pa.us