Freeing the World from Cancer One Day at a Time

As part of Making a Difference Week, Steve Adubato goes One-on-One with Natasha Coleman, MPH, Senior Director of State Health and Primary Care Systems, American Cancer Society, Inc. Northeast Region, to discuss their mission to free the world from cancer by funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients and spreading the word about prevention.

5/2/19 #2213

 

 

 

 

Excerpt:

"We are honored to be joined by Natasha Coleman, Senior Director of State Health and Primary Care Systems, American Cancer Society. And it's the northeast region. Good to see you Natasha. Good seeing you too Steve. How are we doing when it comes to the fight against cancer? You know, we've made some great strides when it comes to cancer. Because of our research dollars, and the funding. The American Cancer Society is the largest non-profit of funders for researchers. But when it comes to screening, and getting our residents here in New Jersey screened, and preventing cancer, we could always do better. So... listen, anyone dealing with cancer? Yeah. It's real. And your family's dealing with it? Yes. And we wish you nothing but the best in your recovery. But people are often saying, "Steve, make sure you ask which is the most prevalent... Yeah. Yeah. ...a, cancer, and b, the most dangerous." First of all, is that a...? I hate to say "a good question" Is that a good question to ask? No you... it's... it's a good question to be aware of. I know why people ask it. But what we say is listen, two thirds of all cancers can be prevented... Say that again? Two thirds of all cancers can be prevented, because of our healthy behaviors, and behavior changes. So keeping a healthy lifestyle,elimination of all tobacco use,getting screened for your, you know, your screenings, your check ups, talking to your health provider about screenings, will really get you in the roles of preventing cancer. Of reducing your risk of getting cancer. And that's a lot of what's going on. By the way, the 24 hour hotline is gonna be up, you'll see the 24 hour... Yup. Mm hmm. ...hotline right there. So talk to us about a few initiatives. Yeah. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer? Yes. What is that initiative? So that's our 5K walk. That's our national initiative to raise awareness around breast cancer. And it's really an opportunity for us to let breast cancer patients, caregivers, and the family members know they do not walk alone. So it's a 5K walk. We have them all across the country. Here in New Jersey we have eight Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks. And we bring thousands and thousands of supporters to... Wow. We're looking at that... ...walk every Sunday. ...picture? Is...? Yeah. Woah. Yeah. In October. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And that's when you'll see the world turn pink. And we really say that that's an opportunity for us to let breast..."