The American Cancer Society (ACS)

The American Cancer Society (ACS)

The American Cancer Society (ACS)

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a worldwide organization who strives at preventing and attacking cancer. Their mission is to save lives by helping those who are fighting cancer through the help of supporters and leaders who through research and hard work worldwide join to fight against cancer, (ACS, 2018). ACS provides education and information for those diagnosed with cancer as well as family members. Their educational services are provided through online resource services as well as through a cancer helpline service. Education can also be provided through local resources made available in your area, pamphlets, books, and medical journals. The resources available can provide education on specific topics, for example on specific cancers, treatments, options, side effects, the process and prognosis, what to expect, and so forth. ACS also provides support, for example types of support are physical and emotional. ACS makes specialist available to patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This specialist are available to help patients and families on how to cope. They provide services like support groups, social services, medical equipment needed, wigs or prosthesis, transportation to chemo or treatments, they offer financial services, as well as lodging services for those who treatments are far from home, (ACS, 2018).

For a family member or friend diagnosed with cancer I would definitely recommend local community programs and services that offer emotional support to patients and families. When diagnosed with cancer, patients can go through a series of emotions, from fear, anger, denial, stress, and the feeling of uncertainty that lead to anxiety and other coping difficulties, therefore I feel it is important that they receive the emotional support necessary. I also feel that education is very important for cancer patients. Many are unaware of the resources that can be available to help them comprehend the diagnosis, treatments, and the process. I feel that I would highly recommend these resources to help gain an understanding that will help decision making as well as compliance.

Factors that may contribute to the yearly incidence and mortality rates of cancers in Americans are late detection, missed diagnosis, non-compliance of patients, tobacco, poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol use, infections, viruses, occupational exposures that can be hazardous to health, and pollution in the air, (Sloan & Gelband, 2007). Other contributing factors are those in food, or contamination of food, certain medications, and hormonal and reproductive factors. Unfortunately radiation through studies can also contribute to cancer as well as the natural ultraviolet radiation we receive from the sun. Immunosuppressed patients are also a risk of developing cancer or risk the difficulty of their body being able to fight against it, as well as those who are genetic susceptible due to family genetics, (Sloan & Gelband, 2007). Sadly there are so many risk factors that contribute to that yearly incidence and mortality rate, as a nurse providing education for our patients regarding the risk can help decrease cancer and mortality rates by teaching them knowledge on how to avoid certain risk factors.

According to the Cancer Action Network through the American Cancer Association policies and practices are working to help prevent these high yearly figures by providing life-saving coverage of cancer prevention and early detection through federal law. These policies also help those fighting cancer, and survivors of cancer to remain free of cancer. Services through these polices are vaccine coverage that can help prevent cancer, cancer screenings, intervention that help weight loss and people from smoking, as well as covered annual visits for Medicare beneficiaries, and public health fund programs to improve health and lower cost in health care, (Cancer Action Network, 2018). Policies and practices healthcare like the ones mentioned are great resources to help fight cancer and decrease the rates in cancer incidence and mortalities. Funds and donations should continue to contribute to policies that help stop and put cancer to an end. If cancer can be controlled or put to an end, individuals can live, survive, and be healthy.

The American Cancer Society fund and investments in research programs to find solutions for better treatments help to find out more about cancer and its causes. These programs are to help improvements in cancer patients, (ACS, 2018). A current research program is the “Liquid Biopsy,” this program is a study to detect if an individual has cancer cells that can be detected and cured early. The idea is to perform a biopsy of the tissue or cells through a blood sample liquid form in any part of the body and then through laboratory test examine and check for cancer cells. Although there are many test that can detect cancer, like x-rays, Ct scans, and some blood samples. This study is working on ways to identify ctDNA fragments of cancer cells that not only detect it but also locate where the cancer may be, (ACS, 2018). For these research program to be successful studies on those diagnosed and undiagnosed is essential to determine the value of the test. If these test results to be successful it can help prevent and treat individuals early by early treatments, procedures, and continuous follow up visits, and test needed that will avoid metastasize and growth.

The fight against cancer is important to help care and cure our patients and as nurses it is important we have the appropriate knowledge to educate and help support both patients and their loved ones.

References

American Cancer Society. (2018). Treatment and Support. Retrieved from

American Cancer Society. (2018). Our Research Programs. Retrieved from

Cancer Action Network. (2018). Public Policy Resources. Retrieved from

Sloan, F.A., Gelband, H. (2007). Cancer Control Opportunities in Low-and-Middle-Income Countries: cancer causes and Risk factors and the elements of cancer control. Retrieved from

Discussion 2

According to American Cancer Society (2018), The American Cancer Society (ACS) have its website and free cancer helpline 24/7 provide free information and support to cancer patient from the diagnosis of cancer through treatment and recovery. ACS educate and support cancer patients and their family by provide emotional support and information about types of cancer, cancer prevention and detection, signs and symptoms of cancer, treatment options and their side effects, how to find the right treatment team, how to deal with financial and insurance issue, and available support programs and services. I would recommend free ACS ‘s cancer helpline service. When people has just been diagnosed with cancer, they normally don’t know what to do, they need experts to talk to, listen, and support. They need experts to teach them how to deal with the cancer and financial problem. They want to know available treatment option and support programs. By calling 1-800-227-2345, people can reach ACS’ cancer information specialist 24/7, 365 days a year.

According to American Cancer Society (2017), factors contribute to the yearly incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in Americans are tobacco use, excess body weight, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and infectious agents. “Current federal law provides life-saving coverage of cancer prevention and early detection services and programs. These provisions are crucial to reducing the incidence and impact of cancer in the United States… Most private insurance and Medicaid expansion plans are required to cover, without cost-sharing, clinical preventive services” (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, 2018). These services include tobacco cessation treatment, cancer screenings, weight loss interventions to reduce obesity and a vaccine that prevents cervical and other cancers. Medicare beneficiary is eligible for a free annual wellness visit, and pregnant women have comprehensive tobacco cessation with no cost sharing.

According to American Cancer Society (2018), Epidemiology Research Program is a program was created at the American Cancer Society in 1946. They conduct nationwide studies on cancer etiology, survival and long-term survivorship and inform cancer prevention and control programs, policies and guidelines. American Cancer Society epidemiologists have published more than 750 scientific articles from these studies, the findings provided strong evidence linking smoking with lung cancer and higher overall death rates, obesity increases risk of premature death, the link between obesity and death from breast and colorectal, the malnutrition and low physical activity increases risk of cancer, the connection between air pollution and mortality, and identification of important genetic mutations associated with certain cancers. Epidemiology Research Program make people understanding the risks factor of cancer, cancer prevention, and control programs.

Reference:

American Cancer Society. (2018). About the American Cancer Society. Retrieved from

American Cancer Society. (2017). Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures 2017-2018. Atlanta: American Cancer Society. Retrieved from

American Cancer Society. (2018). Epidemiology Research Program. Retrieved from

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. (2018). Strong Prevention Policies Will Reduce the Cancer Burden. Retrieved from

Discussion 3

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to helping people who face cancer (American Cancer Society, 2018). Any time a family friend endures a crisis, it affects the whole unit. When that friend is a child, it hits even harder. I would recommend getting involved with a support group. A strong support group can make all the difference. Parents can relate to each other and share stories and exchange ideas of how they have managed to get along with the drastic change of life. Great ways to get involved are events. ACS offers many events, such as the Susan G. Komen, Relay for Life events, and many other activities to raise awareness and money for research. Many active programs are available to help fight back against this dreaded disease, so the more participation, the more research made available. Some of the factors contributing to cancer in the US that can be prevented are smoking and alcohol consumption. Overweight, lack of physical activity, and poor nutrition are also contributors. Screening can prevent several cancers. Screening offers early detection of any cancer, therefore making the changes of survival greater. It is known to reduce mortality for cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, and lung (among long-term smokers and /or heavy smokers) (American Cancer Society, 2018). Survival will also depend on the type of cancer involved. Lack of health insurance and other barriers prevent many people from receiving optimal care to include screenings. With the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it is expected to substantially reduce the number of people who are uninsured and improve the health care system for cancer patients and others with pre-existing health conditions (American Cancer Society, 2018).

No single nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization in the US has invested more to find the causes and cures of cancer then the ACS (American Cancer Society, 2018). Research is a mainstay of the mission of the ACS. Cancer is evil. It is evil at any age, but when it affects children, it is a whole other level. The innocence of children struck by a deadly disease of this magnitude sets in motion many questions. The burden of fear and unknown outcomes for these young patients are unmeasurable. One of many research programs is that of Leukemia. Through research, the 5-year survival rate with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), which is the most common cancer in children, stands at about 90% today, up from 57% for children diagnosed from 1975 to 1979 (American Cancer Society, 2018). It is reported this survival rate for many childhood cancers continue to increase steadily.

My friend has a 5-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma and it is so heartbreaking to watch the innocence of this beautiful little girl has to deal with being in the hospital, more chemo and all its horrible side effects. Through God and treatment, she will hopefully be fine.

Reference:

American Cancer Society (2018). Treatment and support. Retrieved from cancer.org:http//

Discussion 4

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?

As a nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem, the ACS provide education and support in different ways to the patients across the country. For instance, thru their toll-free help line, they have specialist who are dedicated to providing timely responses to the patients with questions regarding the treatment of cancer. Also, they have a patient service center whose role is to offer comprehensive advice on services patient needs and community resources useful in the treatment of cancer. The ACS also, provides facts and figures relating to cancer and the important of maintain a proper diet in an effort to fight the epidemic. Most importantly, the ACS organizes community based health awareness events which educates the people in the ways necessary in preventing and managing cancer. I would recommend the toll-free help line because the patients can give their personal problems and concern to specific individual who are dedicated to answering and educated them; the toll-free help line are timely and always available.

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 factors which contribute to the yearly incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in America include;

• Lifestyle changes. This is a major factor which contributes to the yearly incidence and mortality rates in the U.S., these include such things like, chronic use of alcoholic drinks, excessive use of tobacco and lack of physical exercises.
• Increased cases of obesity. This is another factor which is associated with increasing rates of cancer in the US.
• Inadequate screening tools. Inadequate screening facilities for early detection and education on preventive measures against cancer are among other factors leading to the increased cases of cancer as it is not detected early enough.
• Exposure to carcinogenic agents such as asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde.

The changes in policy and practices that is most likely to affect figures over time include, changes in the lifestyle such as decreasing number of smokers and use of alcohol and increased physical activities. These have the potential of reducing the incidences of cancer, as a result, affecting the figures. Also, enacting policies regulating the use of tobacco and alcohol could help reduces the number of individuals using tobacco substances as a result reducing the risk of developing lung cancer and other related cancer illness. Also, investing on tools that can help in the early detection of cancer such as the cancer screening tools will play a role of early detection of cancer hence prevention (American Cancer Society, 2008).

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.

Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program

This program provides opportunities for scientists to increase understanding of cancer causes and prevention in human populations. EGRP is the largest funder of etiologic cancer epidemiology grants nationally and worldwide. The Program fosters interdisciplinary collaborations and development and use of resources and technologies to advance cancer epidemiology and its translation into clinical and public health practice.

References

American Cancer Society. (2008). Cancer facts & figures. The Society.

Molina, J. R., Yang, P., Cassivi, S. D., Schild, S. E., & Adjei, A. A. (2008, May). Non-small cell lung cancer: epidemiology, risk factors, treatment, and survivorship. In Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Vol. 83, No. 5, pp. 584-594). Elsevier.

Discussion 5

My nephew has been fighting cancer since the tender age of 15. My sister-in-law is the rock that has been holding him up the last 4 years through multiple stages of chemotherapy, PET scans, new tumors, new stages, and through life. She has informed me of numerous availabilities offered in cancer resources. The American Cancer Society is a main staple of resources promoting education on latest research and treatments available to combat various forms of cancer (American Cancer Society, 2018). The ACS also advocates for cancer patients, endorsing political justice in the fight to defeat cancer. Though my sister-in-law is versed in some resources, the ACS stands to broaden her educational horizons in cancer, diet, treatments and additional community resources available she may not be aware of as my nephew transitions to adult treatment (American Cancer Society, 2018). According to the ACS website, there are over 1827 available resources in Texas, alone (American Cancer Society, 2018). Additionally, the ACS has 24/7 communication lines promising support at hours unimaginable, when strife or concern targets her worried mind (American Cancer Society, 2018). In that one phone call, the ACS can present information assistance for patient services, resource requests, or just about any other cancer specific information she requires (American Cancer Society, 2018).

Alcoholism, obesity, genetics, radiation exposure, diet, sunlight, tobacco and longevity in the aging population are contributing to the potential increase in cancer despite the decline in tobacco use in the U.S. (National Cancer Institute, 2018). Also, innovative technological advances are improving detection and may be contributing to rises in cancer incidences, though not mortality rates within the U.S. (American Cancer Society, 2018). Comprehensive approaches to health promotion, epidemiological awareness, and improved surveillance are some policy and practice changes most likely to affect cancer rates in the U.S. (American Cancer Society, 2018).

Since mid-century 1900’s, the ACS has contributed greater than $4.6 billion in research with hopes to one day eliminate cancer (American Cancer Society, 2018). While the ACS offers a host of research programs, one which directly affects my community draws my interest. The Diversity and Inclusion Strategy researches and investigates the complexities of health disparities within communities and their relationship to increasing cancer prevalence in the community. This ACS program seeks to discover and foster health equality in diverse populations where significance of cancer incidences and mortality rates continue. Identifying causes and allocating funds to the prevention of cancers in areas with diverse population and increased health disparities and in turn education those who may be affected, potentially decreases the financial burden on families affected and improves quality of life through health and awareness (American Cancer Society, 2018).

The issue of significant increase in cancer rates is not solely quantified by U.S. numbers. The rate of cancer mortality is predominant in more impoverished regions like South America, Asia, and Africa who make up >60% of all cancer mortalities, globally (American Cancer Society, 2018). It is only through education and awareness to the public that change is profound and ensures.

References

American Cancer Society. (2018). About Us. Retrieved from Texas American Cancer Society:

American Cancer Society. (2018). About Us: Treatment and Support. Retrieved from American Cancer Society:

American Cancer Society. (2018). About Us: What we do: Multicultural Communities.Retrieved from American Cancer Society:

Naional Cancer Institute. (2018, April 27). About Cancer: Cancer Statistics. Retrieved from National Cancer Institute:

Rio Grande Cancer Foundation. (2018). Programs and Resources. Retrieved from American Cancer Society El Paso:

Discussion 6

The American Cancer Society (ACS) website is very comprehensive with, it seems, a section for every aspect of cancer: preventing, screening, education, the future of cancer, research, support groups, free rides to treatments, free places to stay during treatments, finding and paying for treatments, and the list goes on (ACS, 2018). For the new cancer patient,either freind, family or myself, I would suggest the 24 hour, 365 day information center ,the National Cancer Information Center (NCIC), because night time seems to be an especially scary and lonely time, a time when anxiety and thousands of questions will likely present themselves. This service provides up to date information to answer those questions as well as connecting the caller with resources in their local area such as support groups and where to find the centers offering the best treatment options for specific types of cancer (ACS, 2018).

Occording to ACS Cheif Medical Officer Otis Brawley, MD, FACP and Cheif Cancer Control Officer Richard Wender, MD we have made great progress in reducing death from various types of cancer, where we fail at achieving the full potential of reduction is making quality screening and quality treatment available to everyone. In this blog the discussion was centered on the goal of reducing cancer related deaths by 50 % between 1990 and 2015, the actual reduction was 25 %. Some area have great reduction while other areas resulted in very little change, largely due to the disparity of advanced screening methods and Advances in cancer treatment that are proven to work. It seems that we are on the path to changing the way heathcare is delivered. Changes in policy related to evidence based pactrice to include those practices that work best and weeding out the out dated practices that result in marginal survivor rates would be a good start. Clearly a best practice would mandate advances screening modalities, however advanced imagining machinery is expensive and not all facilities would be able to afford these upgrades. Prehaps a grading system that would allow potential patients to reveiw that process the facility uses for cancer treatment might be helpful.

One exciting area of research that ACS is funding is Liquid Biopsy. The hope is that researchers will develope a simple blood test that will not only indicate the presents of cancer before a tumor can be seen but will also pinpiont where the cancer is located and how aggressive it is, meaning “does it need to be treated” (ACS, 2018). The current state of the research has focused on patients with known cancer by monitoring free floating pieces of DNA referred to as circulating tumor DNA or ctDNA and particular types of protiens. Liquid biopsies have shown value in monitoring for reccurence before tumors can be seen and for monitoring for genitic changes that may require an alteration in treatment. There are many obstacles in the way of reaching the full potential of this reseach however there is much hope that within the next ten years this simple, inexpensive test will be availble to identify certain types of cancer in their very earilest stages.

Referrences:

American Cancer Society retrieved on June 12, 2018 from

Retrieved June 12, 2018 from

Liquid Biopsies Past, Present, Future retrieved on June 12, 2018 from https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/liquid-biopsies-

past-present-future.html