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Let’s Help Women Understand: What We Need to Know About Gynecologic Cancers
January 4, 2019
“Once upon a time, women were told to get a Pap test every year. And most of us did, even though it wasn’t always clear why we were being tested. We just did what we were told and thought it was a surefire way to stay healthy. But times and recommendations have changed about what test to have, how often to have it, and the reason to have it.”
This Blog May Inspire You but Motivation is Another Story
December 18, 2018
“While I can educate my friends and family about the harms of smoking and the benefits of cessation and inspire them to quit smoking, I know they will each find their own reason to quit smoking. Maybe they want to spend their money on something besides cigarettes. Maybe they do not want to smell like smoke anymore. Maybe they want to be healthy enough to play with their grandchildren and be around to see them grow up. Mike was my reason. What’s yours?”
The Power Is In Our Hands
December 7, 2018
“Even if you’re one of the healthiest people you know, always remember that the person beside you may not be so lucky. Handwashing is not just about protecting yourself, but about protecting people around you.”
Raising Awareness and Providing Solutions for Cancer in American Indians and Alaska Natives
November 29, 2018
“We all have a lot to learn about the diverse cultures of America’s first people. We also have much to do to help American Indians improve their health status by preventing and controlling cancer.”
There Is Hope for a Future with Less Lung Cancer
November 6, 2018
“This November, as we raise awareness about lung cancer, we also proclaim the progress that has been made that gives us hope for the future.”
Men, Let’s Look at Our Culture to Understand and Improve Our Health
October 23, 2018
“Understanding your cultural background can help you prevent cancer or control it. For example, the foods you eat, how physically active you are, how close you are to a doctor’s office—even religious and spiritual beliefs—can either make it more or less likely that you may get cancer in your lifetime.”
Be Informed. Be Empowered.
October 9, 2018
Many breast cancers can be found early and treated. Getting the right screening at the right time can make a difference for you.
Know Your Body. Know Your Family History.
August 30, 2018
“There is no screening test recommended for any gynecologic cancer except for cervical cancer. Knowing your own body, recognizing that something may be wrong, and seeing a doctor may be lifesaving.”
Women: Take Time for Self-Care. You’re Worth It!
May 23, 2018
“My late grandmother was an accomplished elementary school principal and teacher when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She took action to modify her lifestyle. As I have been inspired by my grandmother, I encourage you to learn your personal and family health history. Make wellness a part of every dimension of life.”
5 Things Cancer Survivors Should Know About Their Mental Health
May 17, 2018
Sharing how you’re feeling mentally is just as important as sharing how you feel physically. Talk to your health care provider.
5 Simple Sun Safety Strategies
May 8, 2018
Skin cancer can sometimes be deadly, and the treatment often leaves scars. Why take the risk? There are many ways to be sun safe. Find strategies that work for you and your family, so you can keep your skin healthy and still have fun!
Protecting Your Skin Is Worth the Effort
May 1, 2018
“I wish I could tell 16-year-old me to never start tanning,” says skin cancer survivor Mallory. “As a mother, I will try very hard to make sure my children never tan. I want them to know that the skin they were born with is perfect, just the way it is.”
Data on the Forefront: How CDC Keeps Measuring Progress and Targeting Action
April 12, 2018
Data allow people to monitor health in communities, whether that is a small area or the entire country. High quality, reliable cancer statistics mean we can accurately track who is getting cancer and what types of cancer are increasing or decreasing. Showing these data in an understandable way means everyone involved can work smarter and do more good.
3 Weird Things About Acetaldehyde
April 2, 2018
Acetaldehyde can cause cancer, and the more acetaldehyde you are exposed to, the higher your cancer risk. But what is acetaldehyde?
A Matter of Trust: Colorectal Cancer Screening among Native Americans
March 21, 2018
Fewer than half of American Indian and Alaska Native people are current with colorectal cancer screening. CDC partners with Indian Health Service and Tribally-run clinics to get more native American men and women screened. Partnership helps us reach out in ways that respect customs and culture and create trust.
Prevent Colorectal Cancer: We Can Do It!
March 1, 2018
“A childhood friend has late-stage colon cancer. The prognosis is grim. But this is one cancer you can prevent,” writes Cindy Gelb, lead of CDC’s Screen for Life campaign. “One more late-stage diagnosis is one too many. Each of us really can make a difference.”
Lowering Your Cancer Risk: A Matter of Ups and Downs
February 20, 2018
Like creating a great song, creating a healthy body is a matter of ups and downs. A few simple choices can help you engineer a lifetime with lower cancer risk.
Vaccination Nation: A Real Shot at Preventing Cancer
February 14, 2018
Suppose someone tells you there are quick, easy ways to help keep people from getting some kinds of cancer. Would you believe it?
Are You Part of the Silent Epidemic?
February 5, 2018
If you saw the Beatles debut, gave peace a chance, or were a disco baby, chances are you’re five times more likely than other adults to have hepatitis C. Ask your doctor about a test at your next checkup.
Inspiring and Taking Action Against Cancer
January 31, 2018
On World Cancer Day, it’s important to set our sights on a future where every person has the right information, makes healthy choices that prevent cancer before it starts, has the right screening at the right time, and gets good cancer treatment no matter where they live.
Get the Facts: 3 Myths about Cervical Cancer Screening
January 9, 2018
DCPC’s Dr. Virginia Senkomago says, “My friend told me that she had not been screened for cervical cancer since the birth of her now 10-year-old daughter. I tried to shed light on the myths she believed that make it okay for her to avoid screening.”
The Six Steps New Hampshire Took to Get More People Screened for Colorectal Cancer
January 2, 2018
Screening at the right age can find colorectal cancer before it starts, but some people still don’t go for many reasons. A CDC-funded program in New Hampshire created a way to overcome the problems patients had getting screened.
CDC Partner Spotlight: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)
November 20, 2017
This Thanksgiving holiday is also Family Health History Day. Bring Your Brave shines a spotlight on the amazing work of a partner that aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by hereditary cancer.
CDC Partner Spotlight: Gulf States Young Breast Cancer Survivor Network
October 26, 2017
Karen Meneses, PhD, RN, FAAN, Director of SurviveAL – Gulf States Young Breast Cancer Survivor Network, says, “Don’t isolate yourself as a young woman facing breast cancer. Many programs offer support.”
Tackling Breast Cancer: The Right Treatment for the Right Woman at the Right Time
October 18, 2017
“As I talked to a patient of mine about how breast cancer took her sister’s life at the age of 42, I was reminded of how challenging it is to explain how breast cancer is a different disease in every woman. The key is getting the right treatment for the right woman at the right time.”
Closing Gaps in Ovarian Cancer
September 25, 2017
In recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, CDC’s Sherri Stewart and Audra Moran, President and CEO of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, discuss the current state of ovarian cancer treatment and improvements that can reduce deaths from ovarian cancer among all women.
I Did Everything to Avoid Cancer…And It Still Got Me
August 30, 2017
Terri makes it her mission to help women who are at risk for or who have ovarian cancer. She is also determined to live her life to the fullest. “I feel that [cancer is] a life sentence, not a death sentence,” Terri says.
Making Our Health a Priority in Honor of National Cancer Survivors Day
June 1, 2017
“Having cancer forced me to understand the importance of making my health a priority, and I challenge each of you to do the same,” says breast cancer survivor Pam Bryant.
Mammo Bus Brings Breast Cancer Screening to American Indian Women
May 16, 2017
A group of partners in and around the Fond du Lac reservation in Minnesota is bringing no-cost mammograms to American Indian women with the Mobile Mammo Bus. More than 650 women have been screened for breast cancer over the nine years that the program has been in place. “The mobile unit resonates throughout the community here,” says a cancer outreach worker on the reservation.
Lewis’ Story: Throat Cancer Changed His World
April 6, 2017
“When you hear the word ‘cancer,’ your world changes in an instant,” says Lewis. Diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer, Lewis endured seven weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which shrunk the tumor to the point that it could no longer be found. Lewis and his wife Amy started a support group for people with head and neck cancers.
Living Through the Decades and Getting Closer to Colorectal Cancer Screening
March 13, 2017
By J. Sumner Bell, MD, AGAF
If you grew up in the 1970s it was a time of bell bottoms and groovy tunes. You may have worn mood rings and watched John Travolta on Welcome Back Kotter. It’s 2017, and if you’re now 50 years or older, let this be the year of your colorectal cancer screening appointment.
CDC Celebrates World Cancer Day
February 2, 2017
By Lisa C. Richardson, MD, MPH
“In honor of World Cancer Day on February 4th, I’m going to pause for a moment to share with you what CDC has done to help improve cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment; to raise awareness about cancer; and educate people with cancer. I’m proud of CDC’s battle against cancer.”
Tribal Policies Help Set Smoke-Free Standard
November 16, 2016
Reducing exposure to tobacco saves human suffering and economic hardship, since it is especially dangerous to children, elders, and diabetics. In addition, smoke-free spaces help people quit abusing tobacco—a particularly important outcome in Fond du Lac, where more than half of tribal members smoke cigarettes. This project helped create a community norm that celebrates healthy environments.
Breast Cancer Survivorship: Pam’s Story
September 27, 2016
When Pam Bryant was diagnosed with breast cancer at only 43 years old, she was disappointed, but not surprised. Several close family members had been diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age, including her mother, a maternal aunt, and a cousin.
A Rural Community Overcomes Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening
September 7, 2016
By Van S. Breeding, MD
“As a personal champion for screening colonoscopies, I used my own story, along with stories of people under the age of 50 in our community who had gone through colonoscopies, in order to encourage our patients to get screened.”
CDC Helps “Shoot for the Moon”
August 3, 2016
By Lisa C. Richardson, MD, MPH
“CDC and all Cancer Moonshot partners are here to make sure fewer people get cancer, but if cancer develops, we must respect the individuals and meet their needs while giving hope.”
Overwhelmed by Too Many Health Tips? Cheat Sheet for Men’s Cancer Screenings and Good Health
June 13, 2016
By Dr. Lisa Richardson
If you’re like my husband, you get a lot of health tips from your wife, mom, coworkers, and friends. To help you manage your cancer screenings, I’ve created your very own cheat sheet for cancer screenings and good health. Print it out and take it to your next appointment so you can add your doctor’s recommendations for further screenings or tests based on your own health, family history, and age.
Overwhelmed by Too Much Health Advice? Cheat Sheet for Women’s Cancer Screenings and Good Health
May 16, 2016
By Dr. Lisa Richardson
Our “cheat sheet” summarizes the cancer screenings most women need. But remember, there’s more to your health than just cancer screenings. Print the cheat sheet and take it with you to your next well-woman exam, so you can write down tests your doctor may recommend for other diseases or conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, or cholesterol.
I Have Liver Cancer, But You Don’t Have To
March 9, 2016
An illness caught Gary, 61, off guard in 2013. When doctors suggested he go for more tests, he knew his condition was more severe than he first guessed. But the test results found something he never expected: liver cancer.
The Global Challenge of Cancer
February 2, 2016
By Hilda Razzaghi
“I learned that there were only a few physicians who provided care to cancer patients outside of the hospital in St. Thomas, and many of the patients who were diagnosed with cancer left the islands for treatment due to cultural stigma as well as limited financial resources.”
My Personal Prescription for Surviving Cancer
November 18, 2015
By George Hilliard
“I began my journey back to health by relying on my support network and positive attitude.”
Chemotherapy’s Most Serious Side Effect
November 4, 2015
By Dr. Lisa Richardson
“Whether it’s one of my patients or a friend, I’m often asked about the side effects of chemotherapy. Usually, they want to know if they’ll lose their hair—a valid and reasonable question. I answer this question for them (depends on the type of chemotherapy), but then start talking about a more serious side effect called neutropenia. It’s one that they might not know to ask about.”
Being a Cancer Survivor Reminds Me Life Is Precious
October 15, 2015
By Traci Ramirez
“It hasn’t been easy. I’ve gone through bouts of fear, anxiety, and disappointment on my way back to wellness. … On the other hand, I have been able to regain my happy life. My diagnosis has given me a greater appreciation for life.”
Are We On Track to Reducing Illness and Death from Cancer by 2020?
July 2, 2015
By Hannah K. Weir, PhD
“Death rates are predicted to continue decreasing for cancers of the female breast, lung and bronchus, cervix and uterus, colon and rectum, oral cavity and pharynx, and prostate. We were disappointed to find that this is not true for melanoma.”
A Tan Is Not a Sign of Health
April 28, 2015
By Sharon McKenna, Sun Safety Manager, Arizona Department of Health Services
“Knowledge is power, and I want to equip children with tools to protect them against sun damage.”
Prevent Colorectal Cancer: The Best Test Is the One That Gets Done
March 2, 2015
By Lisa C. Richardson, MD, MPH
“As an oncologist, a public health professional, and someone who admits to being over 50, I’m here to say that there are no more excuses. If you are 50 years old or older, it’s time to get screened for colorectal cancer.”
Family Trees and Family Ties: Can Family Communication Increase Breast Cancer Screening and Monitoring?
August 25, 2014
By Kari Mendelsohn-Victor, Deb Duquette, and Maria Katapodi
“This story shows key issues about the role of family ties in breast cancer monitoring and risk assessment. Do family members share important health information with each other? Do family members encourage each other to be screened for breast cancer as recommended?”
Knowing BRCA Changed My Life
June 10, 2014
By Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz
“Despite the perception that breast cancer is only something older women need to worry about, young women can and do get breast cancer. I myself was a young woman at high risk, but didn’t know it. Just months after a clean mammogram, in late 2007, I heard those terrible words, ‘You have breast cancer.’”
Melanoma: A Surgeon and Survivor’s Perspective
April 29, 2014
By Travis Kidner, MD
“As a doctor, my job is to do everything I can to achieve the best possible outcomes for my patients. But as a cancer survivor, I feel a huge responsibility to help prevent new melanoma cases. Exposure to UV radiation from either the sun or artificial tanning lamps is the leading cause of skin cancers worldwide.”
The Surprising Link Between Alcohol and Cancer
April 14, 2014
By Dafna Kanny, PhD
“Studies have shown that alcohol was responsible for about 20,000 cancer deaths in the United States in 2009.”
How Health Care Providers Can Use Genomics to Prevent Cancer
March 31, 2014
By Katrina Trivers, Deb Duquette, and Kate Reed
“Family history information can save patients’ lives! Encourage your patients to learn their family history of cancer for all relatives through their grandparents’ generation if possible.”
We’re Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening; You Can, Too!
March 10, 2014
By guest blogger Frank Colangelo, MD, FACP
“I became a very strong champion for colorectal cancer screening several years ago after one of my patients died from this terrible disease in his early 50s.”
The Bright Side of Going Dark
February 24, 2014
By Dawn M. Holman, MPH
“Our seemingly harmless nighttime habits may not only interfere with our sleep, but may also increase our cancer risk.”
The Power of the Pap
January 28, 2014
By Cynthia A. Gelb
“During the past 40 years in the United States, the number of women dying from cervical cancer has decreased dramatically, largely because of the Pap test. We owe so much to Dr. Georgios Papanikolaou, the inventor of the Pap test.”
Lung Cancer—Why the Numbers Are Personal
January 9, 2014
By S. Jane Henley, MSPH
“Many people have worked very hard to tell the story of the dangers of smoking. My mother was 67 years old when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She started smoking cigarettes when she was 15 years old, and tried to quit almost every day of her life. After her diagnosis, she did succeed and stayed smoke-free until her last breath, 14 months later.”
Why I Chose FIT—And You Can, Too!
December 16, 2013
By Marcus Plescia, MD, MPH
When Dr. Marcus Plescia, former director of CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, turned 50, it was time to get tested for colorectal (colon) cancer. Which of the three recommended screening tests did he choose?
- Page last reviewed:Friday, January 4, 2019
- Page last updated:Friday, January 4, 2019
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