American Internet Tech donates to American Cancer Society (August 2021)
An American Cancer Society (ACS) review of cancer prevention and early detection measures for 2018 and 2019 in the United States shows mixed progress. Smoking prevalence during this time was at an historic low, partly because most people who ever smoked have quit. But obesity rates remained high, and cancer screening and HPV vaccination levels were inadequate to make the desired progress toward a world without cancer. Plus, racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities persisted across most major modifiable cancer risk factors and preventive measures.
Of the estimated 608,570 deaths from cancer expected to occur in the United States in 2021, about 45% are from potentially preventable causes such as cigarette smoking, excess body weight, alcohol intake, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk for lung cancer, as well as about a dozen other types of cancer. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing all cancers caused by smoking.
About 18% of cancer cases in the US can be attributed to a combination of excess body weight, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, and consumption of alcohol. Studies have demonstrated that adults who closely follow the ACS nutrition and physical activity guidelines are less likely to be diagnosed with and die from cancer than those who don’t follow them.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine currently used in the US has the potential to prevent about 90% of HPV-caused cancers. Early detection of cancer through screening reduces death from breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers. Screenings for colorectal and cervical cancer can also prevent these cancers by identifying pre-cancerous areas that can be removed.
We can still make substantial progress by promoting smoking cessation among socially vulnerable populations, focusing efforts to stem the rising prevalence of obesity, and improving cancer screening and HPV vaccination levels.
American Internet Tech is supporting the American Cancer Society and proceeds to one more monthly donation because TOGETHER we can make a difference!
