By CRAIG HOWARD
Contributing Writer – Spokane Valley News Herald
Each day, Debi Gallagher makes strides in the fight against cancer.
As the community relations director for the local branch of the American Cancer Society, Gallagher helps get the word out about educational resources and events like the Relay for Life, an annual fund-raiser held at half-a-dozen sites throughout the Greater Spokane area, including Cheney and Spokane Valley.
Cancer survivors gather at each relay to draw support from one another and talk about their road to recovery, setting the tone for the celebration with a traditional “survivor lap.” For Gallagher, every participant is an example of a real-life hero.
“Their strength is just amazing,” she said.
The events also shed light on the importance of exercise, healthy foods and regular screenings as part of a comprehensive approach in preventing cancer. At last year's Spokane Valley Relay for Life, survivor Serena Miller described how early detection played a major role in her successful recovery. She has now been cancer-free for nearly six years.
“The fact that we caught it early helped tremendously,” she said.
ACS reports that 85 percent of all cancer deaths could be prevented through early detection, regular exercise, healthy foods and avoiding tobacco products. Gallagher said she has gained increased appreciation for the part that daily decisions make in the effort to stay cancer-free.
“Before I got into the field, I didn't realize it was so preventable,” she said.
Throughout March – officially recognized as Colon Cancer Awareness Month – Gallagher and others are doing their part to help area residents understand the risk factors and make important changes. Colon cancer is recognized as one of the most preventable and treatable forms of the disease, according to ACS. Polyps that are found early can be removed without the cancer forming at all, while the survivor rate is 90 percent when the condition is discovered in the initial stages.
Last week, former major league baseball pitcher Rick Sutcliffe was diagnosed with colon cancer. Doctors said the condition would be treatable because it was found early.
Linda Thompson, director of the Providence Cancer Center, points out that there still is work to be done in emphasizing the benefits of regular screenings. Colon cancer ranks second in causes of death among all types of cancers.
“Most of us don't want to think about cancer unless we get it,” Thompson said. “But a screening is a real small price to pay. The main message we give is about prevention and screening.”
As with many other chronic illnesses, colon cancer often does not present symptoms until the diseases is in advanced stage, a fact that makes preventative steps like a colonoscopy even more critical. The National Cancer Institute recommends that people age 50 and over schedule screenings a minimum of every five years. Those with a family history of cancer should have screenings at an earlier age and more consistently.
Some symptoms of colorectal cancer include fatigue, abdominal discomfort, blood in the stool and weight loss. Those experiencing one or more symptoms should see a doctor.
This weekend, Providence Cancer Center will host an informational presentation on colorectal cancer at the Providence Auditorium, Ninth and Rockwood in Spokane. The event will run Friday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When it comes to daily steps, ACS recommends maintaining a healthy weight by balancing your intake of calories with physical activity. Adults should take part in regular exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week. Children and adolescents should exercise for a minimum of 60 minutes a day.
ACS also emphasizes the benefits of healthy foods in a well-informed approach. Five servings of fruits or vegetables and whole grains form the foundation for a sound routine. ACS also recommends limiting alcoholic beverages and red meat and staying away from all tobacco products.
Liberty Lake resident Michael Dedmon made significant changes to his diet after he was diagnosed with cancer in 2001. He cut out red meat, white sugar and white flour and began eating more fish, wheat bread, brown rice and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Dedmon said the shift strengthened his immune system. He also took green tea, vitamin supplements and stayed away from artificial sweeteners, processed foods and meat products with hormones.
“The body is able to fight this,” said Dedmon, now cancer-free almost seven years. “I don't want to let the cancer back because I'm eating the wrong things.”
Community Health Education and Resources is another local organization that is helping to create awareness about colon cancer this month. On Wednesday, March 26, a free course in risk factors and preventative steps will be held at the Sacred Heart Providence Auditorium, 101 W. Eighth in Spokane, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Thompson said the educational efforts this month and throughout the year are helping generate valuable knowledge that can be utilized in the battle to prevent and treat cancer.
“It heightens your awareness of the disease and what you can do to avoid it,” she said. “It's important to know these things for yourself and for the people in your life.”
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