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Cancer. The Big C. The big I-never-thought-it-would-happen-to-me — because, hopefully, it won't. Ever. Period. But for the millions of Americans fighting for their lives, we can stand up to cancer tomorrow, February 4, on World Cancer Day.
According to the American Cancer Society, there will be 1,638,910 new diagnoses just this year — and in 2012, cancer will take the lives of 1,500 Americans each day. Even if your own health feels in order, there are a whole lot of people who need support, awareness and professionals working for cures and prevention. The Stand Up 2 Cancer campaign points out that these stats don't have to stand firm, that "1 in 3 cancer deaths can be prevented through changing lifestyle habits."
The old standbys hold strong: healthy diet, regular exercise, early detection through screening and check-ups. You know, the sorts of things we all know are good for us, but don't always practice since, well, we never think "it" will happen to us. Eat your leafy greens, pump a little iron, and for the greater good, be a part of a hopeful message by taking part in World Cancer Day. Here's how:
+ Declare your "something." Join the 10,000+ supporters who've vowed to Do Something for Stand Up to Cancer, declaring their plans for World Cancer Day. Share the Facebook page, ask your friends to join, read what others have to say and be a part of a healthy movement.
+ Change your Facebook status. Let people know about World Cancer Day. Tell them you care about their health, share important links and articles and donate your status like so. Easy.
+ Tweet about it. Use the hashtag #WorldCancerDay. Examples: "Did you know that cancer kills more people than HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB combined? #worldcancerday" or "Did you know that cancer costs the world’s economy more than any other disease? #worldcancerday" (Yikes, right?)
+ Kick those butts to the curb. Cigarette butts, duh. Or empty Coke bottles full of nasty dip spit. Or stanky cigars, no matter who wins the Super Bowl. The National Cancer Institute notes that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for both women and men. Break your own habit if you have one, or talk to friends and family about breaking theirs. If no one you know smokes, throw a party. That rules.
+ Join a gym. Regular exercise can majorly boost your chances of staving off the Big C (read how and why here). But you knew that ...
+ Eat right. Yes, we know you knew that, too. (Some Let's Move healthy eating tips, if you need a refresher ... )
+ Get thee to a physician — and your family, too. Have the talk. You know: The Talk. Yes, it's awkward, but your parents might need a nudge to get screened. Early detection saves lives, yo. Awkward, shmawkward — do your offspring duty.
actTAKE ACTION!
Stand Up to Cancer
'Do Something' in honor of World Cancer Day. Get your message out in the ether and join a healthy movement now.
