National Cancer Survivors Day, recognized on the first Sunday in June, is an annual celebration of life for those who have been touched by cancer. It’s a time for cancer survivors to connect, celebrate victories, and raise awareness of the need for resources and support after cancer treatment.

The Testicular Cancer Society recognizes April as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 9,310 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed and approximately 400 men will die of the disease in the U.S. this year.^[1] While testicular cancer is relatively rare, accounting for just 1% of male cancers and occurring in about 1 in 250 males,^[2] the incidence of this type of cancer has been increasing over the past several decades. So far, cancer researchers have not identified causes of this increase.^[3]

Each April, the U.S. recognizes National Cancer Control Month. Cancer control includes each phase of the fight against cancer: prevention, detection, and treatment. More than 1.7 billion Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and 38.5% (approximately 1 in 2.6) of people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetimes. However, the numbers of both new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths per capita have been declining steadily since the early 1990s. In 1975, cancer patients faced an overall relative 5-year survival rate of 48.7%; in 2009, this rate was up to 69.3%.^[1] 

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of breast cancer in which cancerous cells block the lymph vessels in breast tissue, causing the breast to become swollen, red, sensitive, or otherwise inflamed. It is rare, accounting for less than 5% of breast cancer cases, and it is easily mistaken for mastitis, a breast infection common among nursing mothers.^[1] Because inflammatory breast cancer is also very aggressive, it’s important to be able to recognize its symptoms and get in to see your doctor as soon as possible if they appear.

World Cancer Day & National Cancer Prevention Month

February is a month to raise awareness of cancers of all kinds. February 4 is World Cancer Day, a global event created to unite the world’s population in the fight against cancer through education and encouraging governments and individuals to take action. Here in the U.S., February is National Cancer Prevention Month. There are a number of ways we can participate in the fight against cancer. On the most personal level, we can adopt healthy habits and educate ourselves about known and suspected causes of cancer. On a national and global level, we can help to raise awareness, contribute to reputable research organizations, and reach out to our representatives to tell them that funding cancer research should remain a national priority.

You may have heard the term “scanxiety” used to refer to the often intense feeling of anxiety and fear that can surround imaging exams, particularly for patients who have or have had cancer. While scan-related anxiety has not traditionally been a primary concern in cancer treatment, it is gaining attention as an aspect of the illness that deserves more attention.

Why Is Breast Cancer Awareness Important?

With women in the U.S. facing an approximately 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetimes, awareness of this persistent threat to women’s health is critical. It’s estimated that 252,710 women as well as 2,470 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the U.S. in 2017. Although mortality rates have been declining since the late 1980s, more than 40,000 American women are expected to die of breast cancer this year.^[1]

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the U.S. this year, approximately 22,440 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 14,080 women will die of the disease. A woman’s average lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1 in 75, and about half of cases are diagnosed in women aged 63 years or older.^[1]

When your doctor recommends a medical procedure, it’s important that you understand the potential benefits and risks involved. There has been much debate in recent years about the relative benefits and risks of imaging procedures that use ionizing radiation, including CT scans and other X-ray exams such as mammography and fluoroscopy.

The first Sunday of each June, the U.S. and many other countries around the world recognize National Cancer Survivors Day, “a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and an outreach to the community.” It’s a day for survivors and their friends, families, and communities to connect with, celebrate, and support each other as well as increase awareness of the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship and promote social changes that positively impact survivors’ lives.