The month of November focuses on lung cancer and pancreatic cancer awareness.
Cancer is divided into over 100 subtypes, usually based on location of where the cancer originated from, and every month, special focus is placed on at least one of these subtypes to raise awareness and shine a light on research and prevention.
Pancreatic cancer is cancer of the pancreas, which is an organ located behind the stomach that contains exocrine and endocrine glands.
The American Cancer Society estimates 46,420 new cases of pancreatic cancer and 39,590 deaths in 2014.
One in every 67 people can be at risk for pancreatic cancer, with age and race also coming into play as risk factors as well as tobacco use and obesity.
Men are also more likely to get pancreatic cancer than women. There is no precise way to prevent this disease, however maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding tobacco use is the best way to avoid pancreatic cancer.
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in the United States. It claims about 228,190 lives each year and is responsible for 27 percent of all cancer related deaths.
The main cause of lung cancer is smoking, which includes second hand smoke. Being exposed to radioactive dust, arsenic, or radon can also increase your chances of getting lung cancer.
This is a time where we can come together to understand more about both lung cancer and pancreatic cancer and fight for a cure.
Ferris State Colleges Against Cancer is ready to take part in that fight. Both pancreatic cancer and lung cancer is heavily influenced by tobacco use.
The Great American Smokeout is Thursday, Nov. 20. Everyone is welcome to join the rally to put an end to the greatest preventable cause of cancer, smoking, and lower the number of cancer diagnoses.