Unfortunately, cancer is not something rare in our society. Everyone knows someone diagnosed with cancer. Therefore, organizations like The American Cancer Society (ACS) are very useful and needed. Working as an Adult Oncology nurse I encounter patients diagnosed with this horrible disease on a daily basis. ACS is engraved in our floor and representatives come every day to see our patients and families as needed. They provide very needed information. Patients are usually so overwhelmed when they first learn about their disease. Talking to ACS representatives gives them opportunity to learn more about their new diagnosis and what steps they need to take from now on. ACS can help with setting up chemotherapy schedule and support between treatments. In that emotional time conversation with  counselor can be very beneficial. ACS can connect patients with support groups; talking to survivors and their journey might give patients a lot of hope. When patients are ready, they can learn about treatments and what to expect after. Look Good Feel Better program helps dealing with physical changes, offers wigs, fitted breast jackets etc. Sometimes, patients and their families want to give back and they can contribute to research. They can also learn about experimental treatments. Statistics show that cancer is predicted to be rising. Much research has proven that there are factors that contribute or can accelerate speed in which cancer would grow. Some factors like genetics cannot be modified (at least not yet) but there are multiple factors that we can influence. ACS lists things we can do to lower our probability to get that disease: According to ACS: “We’ve invested more than $4.6 billion in cancer research since 1946, all to find more – and better – treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve cancer patients’ quality of life”. One of research that ACS is conducting is “Epidemiology Research Program”. It focuses on reduction”…  the cancer burden by conducting large, nationwide prospective studies that advance our understanding of cancer etiology, survival and long-term survivorship and inform cancer prevention and control programs, policies and guidelines”(ACS, 2017). I find this program extremely important as it focuses, among other factors, on finding why the cancer starts. Prevention and being able to avoid factors that start the disease on the first place seems to give us the best chance to fight the disease. References: American Cancer Society. (2017). Stay Healthy. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/healthy.html

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is an organization that plays a vital role in our society due to the prevalence of cancer diagnoses. As an Adult Oncology nurse, I witness firsthand the impact that cancer has on patients and their families on a daily basis. The presence of ACS in our hospital is invaluable, as their representatives provide essential information and support to patients and their loved ones.

When patients first receive their cancer diagnosis, they are often overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. ACS representatives offer them the opportunity to learn more about their specific diagnosis and the necessary steps for treatment. This initial conversation can help ease the anxiety and provide patients with a clearer understanding of their situation.

In addition to providing information, ACS can assist patients in setting up their chemotherapy schedule and provide support throughout their treatment journey. The emotional toll that cancer takes on patients is immense, and having access to a counselor can greatly benefit their mental well-being. ACS also connects patients with support groups, where they can find solace in the experiences of survivors and gain hope for their own journey.

As patients progress in their treatment, ACS offers resources such as the Look Good Feel Better program, which helps individuals cope with physical changes caused by cancer. This program provides resources like wigs and fitted breast jackets to help patients regain their sense of self-confidence and normalcy. Moreover, ACS allows patients and their families to contribute to cancer research, giving them the opportunity to give back and potentially make a difference in future treatment options.

Cancer statistics indicate that the number of cases is predicted to rise, making the work of ACS all the more crucial. Extensive research has shown that certain factors can contribute to the development and progression of cancer. While some factors, such as genetics, cannot currently be modified, there are numerous other factors that can be influenced.

ACS provides a comprehensive list of actions individuals can take to lower their risk of developing cancer. This includes adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, protecting oneself from the sun, and staying physically active. By implementing these preventive measures, individuals can reduce their likelihood of developing cancer.

It is important to note that ACS has been heavily invested in cancer research since its establishment in 1946. The organization has dedicated over $4.6 billion to research endeavors aimed at improving treatments, identifying potential causes of cancer, and enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients. An example of one of ACS’s ongoing research programs is the Epidemiology Research Program. This program focuses on conducting large-scale, nationwide prospective studies that aim to advance our understanding of cancer etiology, survival, and long-term survivorship. By doing so, this research informs cancer prevention and control programs, policies, and guidelines.

In conclusion, the work of the American Cancer Society is invaluable in our society today. It provides essential information, support, and resources to patients and their families affected by cancer. Moreover, ACS plays a crucial role in funding and conducting cancer research, aiming to improve treatments and enhance the quality of life for those battling this devastating disease. Through its various programs and initiatives, ACS empowers individuals to take proactive steps in reducing their risk of developing cancer. Overall, the organization’s efforts are vital in the fight against this prevalent disease.