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January eNewsletter 2009

Resolve to Prevent Cancer in 2009

Happy New Year from the Northern California Cancer Center! The start of a new year is a great time to think about your health and disease prevention. One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to focus on eating well and exercising. Getting screened to promote early detection and effective treatment is also important. Start the year off right by having your yearly physical exam and health screenings and by reminding a friend to do the same.

	January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month “Cervical cancer is mostly preventable if abnormal cells are detected early and removed before they become cancerous.” NCCC's Sharon Davis, MPA Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts

	What Women Can Do to Prevent Cervical Cancer Get regular Pap tests Finding and treating abnormal cells can prevent cervical cancer. Also, getting this screening can help doctors detect cancer early, when treatment can be more effective. Most women should have a Pap test at least once every three years. Learn more about Pap tests. *Don't ever smoke or stop smoking if you do* Smoking cigarettes is a known risk factor for cervical cancer. If you smoke, take advantage of resources for quitting smoking offered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI): - NCI Smoking Quitline 1-877-44U-QUIT; TTY: 1-800-332-8615. Call within the US, Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm local time. - NCI LiveHelp® Online Chat: Monday - Friday 9 am to 11 pm ET: Click here. *Sexual History* The more sexual partners you have, the more your risk increases for HIV and HPV (Human papillomavirus), which can both lead to cervical cancer.

	Cervical Cancer Screening Referrals Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts NCCC operates the California Department of Public Health's Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts Consumer 800 Number 1-800-511-2300 www.nccc.org/cdp Call center open Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5 pm Refers low-income, medically underserved women age 25 and older in all areas of California to free pelvic exams, Pap tests and mammograms. In addition to paying for a Pap test, program will pay for follow-up colposcopy and biopsy if abnormal cells are found. Calls taken in six languages: English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese.

	Remember the California Cancer Research Fund at Tax Time At the start of 2008, NCCC sponsored a bill that created a new fund for cancer research in California. As a result of the bill's passing, the California Cancer Research Fund was created and will be included as a check-off on the 2008 California state tax return form. Consider contributing at least $1 to this fund as you fill out your form, or tell your tax preparer you would like to contribute to the fund. With over 23 million Californians of tax-paying age, even small donations through the tax form could have a big impact on cancer research in California. Request a “check off cancer” temporary tattoo to show off your support for this fund! Send requests to sfarrell@nccc.org.

Honor or remember relatives and friends who have faced cervical cancer on NCCC's Virtual Tribute Quilt

We'd love to hear from you! Send us your comments at communications@nccc.org.

The Northern California Cancer Center (NCCC) is a nationally recognized leader in researching the causes of cancer and improving the prevention and detection of cancer. Its community programs improve the quality of life for individuals living with cancer. As an independent non-profit organization, the Northern California Cancer Center researches who gets cancer and why and has been working with scientists, educators, patients, clinicians, and community leaders since 1974.

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