Shaun Gines, Senior Manager, Community Development for the Northeast Region of the American Cancer Society, discussed its groundbreaking research, patient services, and other life-saving programs.

The cancer death rate has dropped by 26% since its peak in 1991, and a lot of the credit is due to the work of the American Cancer Society.    Why the drop?  He explained a significant number is due to steady reductions in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment.  He emphasised screening as a major initiative of the ACS.  Lung, female breast, prostate, colorectal cancer are all down, but the new ACS cancer statistics report estimates that there will be 1,735,350 new cancer cases and 609,640 cancer deaths in the United States in 2018.  According to Shaun, the ACS has funded more than 24,000 scientists at more than 200 institutions, including 47 Nobel Prize winners.  The local chapter offers rides to treatments for cancer patients and overnight lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers at Hope Lodge in Baltimore and Philadelphia and its ‘Hotel Partners’ program.  Programs include Look Good Feel Better classes where women can manage their appearance side effects of treatment with skin care, makeup, wig care, scarves, etc.   He also discussed fundraising efforts, including the annual Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the Love Lights a Tree.

We wrapped up with the return of Daffodil Days, one of the Society’s best remembered campaigns.  Businesses and individuals can order pots now for delivery – and blooms – in the spring.  Proceeds all benefit the programs and research of the ACS.

The National Cancer Information Center offers cancer information, health insurance assistance, answers and hope 24 hours a day at 1-800-227-2345!