Welcome to the Mission Matters Blog.  Mission Matters is designed to give up-to-date information about key cancer issues, the work of your American Cancer Society, and share ideas for how Relay For Life communities can incorporate Mission into their Relay For Life activities. 

Want to learn more?  Be sure to check out the Mission Delivery/Mission Matters folder and this blog next week for even more information and remember to join the Mission Matters Conference Call on Tuesday, March 20 at Noon (eastern) and 8:30 PM eastern (5:30 PM Pacific). 

Conference Call information is:  1-800-910-2399 / passcode 487160

 Did you know there are 3 ways to get your Mission Matters?  This Mission Matters Blog is one way. 

Welcome to Mission Matters. This month we are going to focus on Colon Cancer and Advocacy. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, you can use this helpful informatio to get ready to promote colon cancer awareness through Relay For Life in your community. With our advocacy efforts, the partnership of Relay For Life and advocacy has yielded amazing results, read on to learn more.  Our Mission Matters Call will be on Tuesday, February 13 at Noon Eastern and 8:30 PM Eastern.  The call in information is 1-800-910-2399, passcode: 487160

Welcome to Mission Matters for January, 2007.  This month we will share information about the Great American Health Check and review some of the ACS Screening Guidelines. The first step of the challenge is to participate in the Great American Health Check on January 18th.

Great American Health Check

The Great American Health Challenge is designed to educate and motivate Americans about how they can take steps to prevent cancer in their own lives, and in the lives of their families and friends. At least fifty percent of all cancer deaths in the United States are related to poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and being overweight or obese. The year-long Great American Health Challenge provides Americans with the information and tools to control these risk factors.

Mission Matters Conference Call

Tuesday, November 14 at Noon Eastern and 8:30 p.m. Eastern by calling 800-910-2399 and enter passcode 487160

Welcome to the November Mission Matters Blog. This month we will discuss tobacco awareness and resources and information about caregivers. Remember the Great American Smokeout is November 16, 2006. Caregivers are an important part of the cancer journey and your American Cancer Society has a number of resources to help caregivers.

Tobacco Awareness

Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the US for both men and women. (Source: Cancer Facts anbd Figures 2006) and it is the most preventable form of cancer death. 87% of lung cancer deaths can be attributed to tobacco use. Tobacco use also causes an increased risk for other cancers, including stomach, liver, pancreas, bladder and esophagus to name a few.

Weclome to Mission Matters. Each month we will share important information about key cancer issues and ACS programs and give you ideas for including these topics in your local Relay For Life activities. This month we are focusing on breast cancer and the ACS Great American Smokeout. Want to learn more- join the Mission Matters Conference Call Tuesday, October 17 at Noon Eastern and 8:30 PM Eastern by calling 1-800-910-2399 and enter passcode 487160.

Beginning on October 17, 2006, we will host monthly conference calls and a blog here
at relayforlife.org called MISSION MATTERS. The blog and calls are designed to provide
up to date information about key cancer issues and to share ideas on how Relay For Life
communities can incorporate the ACS Mission and priorities into their local Relay For Life activities.

Our 1st call and blog will focus on Breast Cancer Awareness and the upcoming
Great American Smokeout. Check back here starting October 16 for more information!