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.

The Great American Health Check provides Americans with an opportunity to learn how they can reduce their risk of cancer. By visiting the easy-to-use, confidential, interactive tool at www.cancer.org/greatamericans and submitting information on age, gender, height, weight, family history of cancer, dietary habits, physical activity levels, and alcohol and tobacco use, users can get an individualized action plan. The plan includes guidance on which cancer screening tests are appropriate and suggestions on how to eat healthy, get the right amount of exercise, limit alcohol use, and quit smoking.

ACS Screening Guidelines American Cancer Society Screening Guidelines are recommended for those people with average risk for cancer (unless otherwise specified) and without any specific symptoms.

People who are at increased risk for certain cancers may need to follow a different screening schedule, such as starting at an ealier age or being screened more often.  Those with symptoms that could be related to cancer should see their doctor right away.

Cancer-related Checkup- for people aged 20 or older having periodic health exams, a cancer-related checkup should include health counseling, and depending on a person's age and gender, might include exams for cancer of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, testes, and ovariesm as well as for some non-malignant (non-cancerous) diseases. Special tests for certain cancer sites are recommeded for: Breast Cancer, Colon and Rectal Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer, and Prostate Cancer.  Visit www.cancer.org for details on these screening guidelines.