News

Guest Blogger: Ashley Hamstengel

Who wants to breathe secondhand smoke while they are eating dinner? I bet most people would say, “not me.”

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 17, 2019) – Nine individuals and three organizations received awards recognizing their passion and leadership in cancer control on Monday, Sept. 16 at the Nevada Cancer Control Summit Awards Luncheon. Awardees included nurses, physicians, a state senator, and more.

Nine individuals and two organizations received awards recognizing their passion and leadership in cancer control on Monday, Sept. 17 at the Nevada Cancer Control Summit Awards Luncheon. Awardees included nurses, physicians, a state assemblywoman, and more.

Prepping for colonoscopy is dreaded by many, and for some is a barrier to screening. However, once the bowel prep is complete the procedure is relatively simple for those undergoing the exam. And, gastroenterologists stress that good bowel prep is essential so that they can clearly see any abnormalities in the colon during the exam.

In May 2018 American Cancer Society released an updated guideline for colorectal cancer screening. The new recommendation says regular screening should start at age 45 for individuals at average risk for developing colon cancer. Current guidelines from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say regular screening should start at age 50 for those at average risk.

We have scholarships!

This year the Nevada Cancer Control Summit has a limited number of scholarship opportunities for both students and cancer registry professionals who wish to attend the Summit but may not otherwise be able to attend due to cost. This exciting opportunity has been made possible through support from the Heath Foundation, which supports cancer research and advocacy, and the Nevada Central Cancer Registry. 

Nevada Cancer Coalition's most recent survivorship project is a new partnership bringing information and support to the community in the places where they go to find information -- public libraries throughout the state. Nine libraries in Washoe, Elko, Eureka, and Lander counites will feature the educational displays throughout the month of June, along with library resources and books on various cancer topics. 

Three northern Nevada nonprofits received free automatic sunscreen dispensers and a supply of sunscreen through a community donation program launched by Nevada Cancer Coalition (NCC). The organizations selected through an application process include Community Health Alliance Record Street Health Center for the Homeless, Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation (TMPF), and Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation.

Nevada Cancer Coalition is recognizing Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month by awarding five automatic sunscreen dispensers to nonprofits in Nevada. The dispensers are a key component of the coalition’s Sun Smart Nevada program, which promotes skin cancer prevention through sun safety education and access to sunscreen. Applications for the dispenser program will be accepted through May 11.

It’s once again Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, recognized May 1 – 31 each year. Bookended by Melanoma Monday, this year May 7, and Don’t Fry Day, the Friday before Memorial Day on May 25, the month encourages sun safe behaviors and skin cancer prevention.

Skin cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. with more annual diagnoses than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined. Cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are also on the rise. This year in Nevada it’s estimated 790 people will be diagnosed with melanoma.