Cancer prevention campaign launched

The American Cancer Society has launched its Great American Health Check, a campaign to raise national awareness about the importance of early detection for cancer. Sponsored by Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., the initiative will involve a major public outreach to encourage Americans to get tested for the disease.

The Great American Health Check, available year-round, is an easy, confidential, online assessment tool available at www.cancer.org/healthcheck. Questions focus on gender, age, height, weight, family history of cancer, dietary habits, physical activity levels, alcohol and tobacco use.

After taking the health check, users receive a personalized cancer action plan that lists the cancer tests they need and healthy lifestyle recommendations. The personalized action plan helps individuals be informed, proactive health care consumers and patients.

According to the latest statistics compiled by the American Cancer Society, fewer than 50 percent of all adults get all the recommended early detection tests for cancer. Cancers that could be detected earlier by following the society’s testing guidelines account for nearly half of all new cancer cases. Survival rates for many cancers have improved over the last two decades, due in large part to increased use of early detection tests.

Scientific evidence suggests that about one-third of the cancer deaths expected this year will be related to nutrition, physical inactivity or weight issues.

People may reduce risk for cancer by not smoking; by getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity five or more days a week; and by consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry and fish.

Cancer information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the American Cancer Society’s toll-free call center, (800) ACS-2345. Cancer information specialists will mail callers information on the Great American Health Check and specific cancer screenings.