Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, attributed to more than 7.4 million deaths in 2004, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While the figure is staggering, WHO also notes that approximately 30 percent of cancer deaths can be prevented, with tobacco listed as the most significant risk factor for cancer.
In order to enlighten the public and Conemaugh Health System employees about cancer prevention, Memorial Medical Center will host a Community All-Cancer Education Day, themed “Hope. Support. Cure.” on Monday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Clinical Pavilion Atrium, Memorial Medical Center's Main Campus.
The event will coincide with the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition’s “67 Women, 67Counties” display, which will be featured in Memorial’s Atrium during the All-Cancer Education Day event.
The American Cancer Society will join various departments at Memorial Medical Center to provide education concerning cancer-related topics including:
•Women’s’ cancers: ovarian, cervical, uterine and breast
•Men’s’ cancers: prostrate and testicular
•Cancers affecting both genders: lung, skin, colon, etc.
•Conemaugh Regional Hospice
•Memorial’s Palliative Care Unit
•Conemaugh Cancer Care Center
Attendees will also have the opportunity to support cancer patients and survivors through the Conemaugh Health Foundation’s Cancer Fund which helps assists with medical bills, travel expenses for treatment and other related expenses. “Hope-Support-Cure” beach towels, featuring nine cancer awareness ribbons with lavender “all cancer” awareness ribbon highlighted in the middle of the towel, will be on sale for $20. To date, more than 400 towels have been sold.
