Jason Plaia, Director of Community Development for the DelMar Chapter, discussed the mission of the American Cancer Society, to fund new research, support patients and spread the word about prevention, he spoke about the Society’s website where the guidelines for routine screenings – such as colo-rectal – can be found, as well as a risk factor quiz, a general health calculator and suggestions for reducing your risks, including sun exposure and nutrition. He also discussed the ‘Moonshot’ initiative lead by former Vice President Joe Biden, to double ACS and federal spending on cancer research, how cancer affects communities such as Latinos and African Americans differently, the need for everyone to know their body and to report changes and finally, breast cancer and women. Early detection is key to increasing survival rates and he discussed screenings, programming for women with breast cancer and educational campaigns. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month he spoke about the continuing real Men Wear Pink fundraising challenge and the upcoming 15th Annual Wilmington Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, October 15th on the River Front, Lot E (Philadelphia’s walk will be on the same day at Citizens Bank Park).
To register or for more information visit Makingstrideswalk.org/wilmingtonde. Walk ups are welcome, teams encouraged and survivors will find support, t-shirts and food.
To talk about cancer and your risks with a live person, 24/7 call 800-227-2345. For everythoing discussed, including the locations of other Making Strides Walks visit www.cancer.org.