Project Hope 2024

project 2024

BISMARCK CANCER

CENTER

Thank you for participating in project HOPE, a community wellness event designed by the Bismarck Cancer Center to educate you about healthy lifestyles, cancer prevention and early detection. Included are stickers for each type of cancer that can be worn on the respective cancer awareness days.

Not only does project HOPE provide you with educational tools, it empowers you to give hope to local individuals with cancer and their families affected by the disease. Cancer is a national epidemic that affects your place of employment and the U.S. economy. A little over 2 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2024. Take the first step to a healthier you by reading the information provided.

Participation is flexible at your workplace, but we encourage participants to donate $10 for project HOPE week which will go to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, whose goal is to provide hope, help and healing for individuals battling cancer. The Foundation was established in 2007 to provide financial support, as well as assistance with transportation, lodging, emotional and spiritual care, nutritional care, survivorship care, art therapy, massage, physical therapy, and more.

COLORECTAL CANCER

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, originates in the colon or rectum part of the large intestine. It typically begins as noncancerous growths called polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, which can progress to cancer over time.

SIGNS/SYMPTOMS:

Early-stage colorectal cancer may not show noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, signs may include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, weakness or fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

DIAGNOSIS:

Diagnosis often involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and tests such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), or stool DNA test. Screening guidelines recommend regular screenings starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals, with earlier or more frequent screenings for those with a family history or other risk factors.

INCIDENCE

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer ranks as the 3rd most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The lifetime risk is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women, though individual risk varies based on factors such as family history.

DID YOU KNOW?

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, about 106,590 new cases of colon cancer and about 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer will impact Americans.

PREVENTION:

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. This includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting red and processed meats. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are also crucial.

LYMPHOMA

Lymphoma is a blood cancer involving the lymphatic system. This system is crucial for the body’s immune response. There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and nonHodgkin lymphoma. The disease arises from abnormal growth of lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell, leading to tumor formation in lymph nodes and organs, impairing immune function.

SIGNS/SYMPTOMS:

Lumps or swelling under the skin, commonly in the neck, underarms, or groin, may indicate underlying health issues, including infections or cancer. General symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, itching skin, fatigue, loss of appetite, and respiratory difficulties should prompt medical evaluation for timely diagnosis and treatment.

INCIDENCE

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma predominantly affects individuals aged 60 and older, with men at a higher risk than women. Exposure to certain herbicides and insecticides may elevate the risk, along with weakened immune systems and factors like body weight and diet, where obesity may increase susceptibility.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lymphoma is the most prevalent blood cancer in adults and ranks as the 3rd most common cancer among children.

DIAGNOSIS:

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive approach, including medical history review, physical exams, imaging tests, and biopsies. Early detection relies on symptom recognition and seeking medical attention promptly. Enlargement of lymph nodes, often painless, is a standard indicator.

PREVENTION:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing exposure to environmental toxins, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular medical checkups are essential preventive measures.

SENDENTARY LIFESTYLE

In 2023, more than 85% of individuals reported leading a sedentary lifestyle, often coupled with readily available unhealthy food options. This sedentary lifestyle, combined with poor dietary choices high in sugars, poses significant health risks, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

Given the impact of sedentary lifestyles, it is crucial to identify simple ways to counteract them. One effective strategy is incorporating physical activity into daily routines, such as taking walks during lunch breaks, using stairs instead of elevators, or scheduling workout sessions after work. Finding enjoyable activities that fit into schedules can make staying active rewarding rather than burdensome. Joining group fitness classes or sports teams provides accountability, motivation, and a social aspect to physical activity, making exercise more enjoyable and sustaining a commitment to an active lifestyle. Additionally, making slight adjustments to daily habits, like standing up and stretching every hour, parking farther from destinations to increase

steps, or incorporating short bursts of activity throughout the day, can significantly reduce the adverse effects of prolonged sitting.

The key to combating sedentary lifestyles is finding personalized approaches and making gradual, sustainable changes. Taking proactive steps to address sedentary habits improves overall health and well-being and enables individuals to reap the rewards of an active life.

Here are some tips to improve a sedentary lifestyle while at work:

1. Take Regular Breaks: Set a timer to remind yourself to take short breaks every hour. Use these breaks to stand up, stretch, or walk around the office.

2. Use a Standing Desk: Consider using a standing desk or a convertible desk that allows you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. This can help reduce the amount of time spent sitting.

3. Take Walking Meetings: Instead of sitting in a conference room, suggest taking walking meetings. This not only encourages physical activity but can also stimulate creativity and productivity.

4. Opt for Active Transportation: Walk or bike to work instead of driving or taking public transportation. If you must commute, consider parking farther away from the office to add extra steps to your day.

5. Use Stairs: Avoid elevators and escalators whenever possible. Take the stairs instead to add extra physical activity to your daily routine.

6. Desk Exercises: Incorporate simple exercises that can be done at your desk, such as leg lifts, chair squats, or desk pushups, to break up long periods of sitting.

7. Set Activity Goals: Challenge yourself to meet daily activity goals, such as increase your daily steps or stand for a specific amount of time each hour.

8. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Hydration is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being.

9. Use Fitness Apps: Consider using fitness apps or wearable activity trackers to monitor your activity levels and set reminders to move throughout the day.

10. Encourage Workplace Wellness: Advocate for workplace wellness initiatives, such as standing desks, walking paths, or onsite fitness classes, to promote physical activity among colleagues.

PREVALENCE

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1 in 4 adults worldwide are insufficiently active. This means they do not meet the WHO recommendations for physical activity, which is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week, or an equivalent combination of moderateand vigorous-intensity activity.

BRAIN CANCER

Brain cancer encompasses a diverse group of tumors originating from various cell types within the brain and central nervous system. The prevalence and incidence rates of brain cancer can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, race, and geographic location.

SIGNS/SYMPTOMS:

Common signs and symptoms of brain cancer include persistent or worsening headaches, seizures, nausea and vomiting, cognitive or behavioral changes, vision changes, balance, and coordination problems, and speech difficulties.

DIAGNOSIS:

Diagnosing brain cancer typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, imaging studies, and sometimes biopsy. Further tests may be conducted to determine the extent of the disease (staging) and guide treatment planning, including additional imaging studies and tests to assess overall health.

INCIDENCE

Approximately

23,890 new cases of primary malignant brain tumors are diagnosed in adults each year.

There are currently approximately 700,000 people in the US living with a brain tumor diagnosis

PREVENTION:

Preventing brain cancer entirely is challenging due to the limited understanding of its exact causes. However, individuals can potentially reduce their risk or minimize exposure to known risk factors by protecting against head injury, making healthy lifestyle choices, minimizing environmental exposures, and attending regular check-ups.

BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer develops in the cells of breast tissue when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. While it affects both men and women, it is much more common in women.

SIGNS/SYMPTOMS:

Early-stage breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, signs may include a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, nipple changes (such as inversion or discharge), redness or dimpling of the breast skin, and persistent breast pain or discomfort.

DIAGNOSIS:

Diagnosis typically involves a breast exam, imaging tests (such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI), and biopsy (removal of tissue for microscopic examination). Screening guidelines recommend regular mammograms starting at age 40 or 45, depending on risk factors and preferences. Those with a family history or other risk factors may need earlier or more frequent screenings.

INCIDENCE

The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer in her lifetime is about 13%, equating to a 1 in 8 chance. Breast cancer can also affect men, however less frequently. Currently, there are over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

DID YOU KNOW?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers, accounting for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year.

PREVENTION:

Understanding risk factors empowers informed decisions about screening and prevention. Discuss family history, lifestyle factors, and concerns with healthcare providers. Adopting a healthy lifestyle—balanced diet, physical activity, limited alcohol, no tobacco, and maintaining a healthy weight—reduces the risk.

SCREENING:

Self-breast exams and regular mammograms are crucial for early detection when treatment is most effective. Prioritize health by scheduling regular screenings according to guidelines.

SURVIVORSHIP

Cancer survivorship is a time that’s dedicated to addressing the unique needs and challenges of individuals beyond their cancer diagnosis and treatment. It encompasses life’s physical, emotional, social, and financial aspects after cancer. As advancements in cancer care lead to increased survival rates, the number of cancer survivors in the United States exceeds 18 million. Survivorship care begins at diagnosis and extends throughout the individual’s life.

CHALLENGES OF SURVIVORSHIP:

Cancer survivors face various challenges affecting their physical and emotional wellbeing long after treatment ends. Physical challenges may include fatigue, pain, nerve problems, cognitive difficulties, and limitations in daily activities. Emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and fear of cancer recurrence are common. Changes in body image due to treatment side effects can also impact survivors’ emotional health.

DID YOU KNOW?

Individuals are considered cancer survivors from the day of diagnosis, highlighting the significance of survivorship care in addressing their comprehensive needs throughout their journey beyond cancer.

IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOW-UP CARE:

Regular check-ups with healthcare providers are crucial for monitoring health, managing long-term treatment side effects, and addressing emotional needs. Access to supportive care services such as counseling and support groups can provide additional emotional support and a sense of community for survivors.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE:

Encouraging survivors to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, including regular exercise, balanced diet, stress management, adequate sleep, avoiding tobacco, and excessive alcohol, are essential for optimizing overall health and well-being. Activities promoting mental and emotional wellness, such as meditation and time in nature, can also enhance quality of life.

BCC SUPPORT GROUPS

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Bismarck Cancer Center

5:30 p.m.

Second Thursday of each month

Contact Jen @ 222-6113 for virtual options

CAREGIVERS CANCER

SUPPORT GROUP

Bismarck Cancer Center

5:30 p.m.

Third Tuesday of each month

ALL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Bismarck Cancer Center

5:30 p.m.

Third Thursday of each month

Contact Jen @ 222-6113 for virtual options

EQUINE THERAPY

TR4 Heart and Soul

Contact Katie at oakland@live.com to schedule your session

CANVAS OF HOPE WITH THEO ART SCHOOL

Theo Art School

1810 Schafer Street, #5, Bismarck 6-8 p.m.

First Wednesday of each month

To register, please visit bismarckcancercenter.com

YOGA FOR HEALING Bismarck Cancer Center

In-Person or Virtual

Every Monday (4pm)

To register, contact Allexis at 701-222-6179

THESE SUPPORT GROUPS ARE OPEN TO ALL INDIVIDUALS WITH CANCER AND SURVIVORS!