Welcome to Mission Matters.  Each month, Mission Matters shares news about ways you can Fight Back against cancer. 

Along with this blog, we also have a Mission Matters newsletter, which posts by the 25th of each month in the Relay Library and we host a Mission Matters conference call.  Our call this month will be Tuesday, January 15 at Noon Eastern and 8:30 PM Eastern time. To join us, please call 1-800-910-2399, passcode: 487160.  Our topic this month is the Great American Health Check. 

It is true that many cancers can be prevented through early detection, eliminating the use of tobacco products, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular physical activity, practicing sun safety and adopting healthy eating habits.  On Thursday, January 17, 2008, your American Cancer Society will promote awareness of early detection and cancer prevention with the Great American Health Check. 

The Great American Health Check is an online assessment tool available at www.cancer.org/greatamericans or by visiting the Fight Back page here at www.RelayForLife.org.  With the Great American Health Check, you can answer a few simple questions about yourself to learn about recommended prevention strategies and early detection tests based on your age, gender, and family history.  Then, print out the personalized action plan and bring to your health care provider to discussion options that are right for you. 

The "great" thing for you, your family and friends is that the Great American Health Check is available all year long, but we encourage you to take a few minutes on January 17 to reminder yourself and your loved ones of this important tool.

Did you know:

• that 1/3 of all cancer deaths related to nutrition, physical inactivity, and overweight or obesity could be prevented.
• about 1/2 of all new cancer cases can be found early- when treatment is more likely to be successful.