The Nevada Cancer Coalition

Gruen Vonbehrens speaks to schools across Nevada about the dangers of tobacco use

cari — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:48:24 +0000

Each day in the United States over 3,800 young people under 18 years of age smoke their first cigarette, and over 1,000 youth under age 18 become daily cigarette smokers. One of the most important – and widely cited – findings on smoking and health is that virtually all cigarette smoking and tobacco usage begins before adulthood. While the prevalence of tobacco usage among Nevada’s youth has dropped significantly in the past decade, our rate still remains at 17% and seems to be climbing again.

Gruen’s Story:

Gruen VonBehrens, cancer survivor and motivational speaker, began using chewing tobacco at age 13 and was diagnosed with oral cancer at age 17. He has undergone 35 surgeries including removal of his lower teeth, jawbone, half of his tongue and part of his neck muscles. VonBehrens now travels across the country sharing his story and educating kids and teens about the risks of tobacco use, respecting yourself and others.

Mr. VonBehrens will address Nevada teens on the risks of tobacco use. Over the course of the week (March 11th, 2013 -March 15th, 2013), VonBehrens will speak to more than 4,000 kids and teens from 12 schools throughout Nevada. VonBehrens’ presentations are made possible through a grant from the Nevada State Health Division and the efforts of Nevada Cancer Coalition and our partners.

Gruen in Dayton, NV

Save the Date – Cancer Control Summit

cari — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 21:42:44 +0000

Please join us on Friday, May 10, 2013 in Reno, Nevada at the Atlantis for the opportunity to explore the implications of a changing health environment on cancer prevention and control while sharing the newest innovations in research and practice across the cancer continuum. Both national and local presenters will lead discussions on the latest topics in cancer prevention and control, and how we can connect systems and partners in our efforts. The Summit draws statewide attendance creating an excellent opportunity for you to meet with cancer control partners from your community and across Nevada for networking, connecting, and collaborating.

We are thrilled to have Dr. Otis Webb Brawley, Chief Medical Officer of the American Cancer Society keynoting this year. From the American Cancer Society website:

As the chief medical officer and executive vice president of the American Cancer Society, Otis Webb Brawley, MD, is responsible for promoting the goals of cancer prevention, early detection, and quality treatment through cancer research and education. He champions efforts to decrease smoking, improve diet, detect cancer at the earliest stage, and provide the critical support cancer patients need. He also guides efforts to enhance and focus the research program, upgrade the Society’s advocacy capacity, and concentrate community cancer control efforts in areas where they will be most effective. Further, as an acknowledged global leader in the field of health disparities research, Dr. Brawley is a key leader in the Society’s work to eliminate disparities in access to quality cancer care.

The Denise Dunning Award will also be presented at the Summit. This annual award to celebrates and recognizes outstanding cancer control efforts in Nevada and is given in memory of Denise Faye Dunning whose passion and leadership was crucial to advancing cancer prevention, control, and treatment in Nevada.

More information and registration details will be coming soon

Hugs, Hats and Headbands!

admin — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:27:08 +0000

Did you know that kids get cancer too? Cancer is the #1 cause of death for children and the fourth leading cause of death for teenagers – about 4 children die in our country every day from cancer. The two most common cancers in children are leukemias and brain tumors. The average length of treatment is 2 to 5 years for kids and it isn’t easy – it affects them both physically and emotionally. In Nevada, we expect 200 kids to be diagnosed with cancer in 2012.

We are local elementary school kids supporting kids with cancer. Our project is called Hugs, Hats and Headbands – we want to show kids with cancer that they are important and hugged, and to let them know that they are pretty or handsome even though they don’t always feel that way.Our goal was to collect 500 hats and headbands in two weeks and THANKS TO YOU we collected 1,176 last spring! We continue to collect hats and headbands. You can send or deliver items to the Nevada Cancer Coalition office.