DrawNodo Hearts: Several New Yorkers wrote love letters to their loved ones about why it’s important to get screened for cancer. The event is part of a campaign to raise awareness about colorectal cancer.
“After hearing everything, the stories of people who survived cancer, it’s very important not to be afraid of cancer, not to be afraid of going to the doctor,” said Yeraldyn Pacheco.
Pacheco.
Pacheco attended the event organized by the American Cancer Society in partnership with various community organizations.
They say that in minority communities access to health care, socioeconomic factors and lack of knowledge all play a role, regardless of whether or not they are tested. They hope with raising awareness, people make it a priority.
“Cancer is very curable. Any type of cancer is curable if you find it early,” said Dr. Jonathan Villena-Vargas/New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
The organization has videos in addition to the love letters to raise awareness.
According to the Cancer Society, more than one hundred and fifty three thousand people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, more than fifty thousand will die from the disease.
“Cancer does not discriminate. I saw it when I lost my mom. My dad has already had four cancer diagnoses and we lost a cousin in his thirties,” said Lili Gil Valletta/CEO and founder, Cien+.
Those who spoke say that if someone in your family has had cancer in the past, they are at higher risk and should be tested at an earlier age.
Dr. Linda Lee, director of gastroenterology at Maimonides Health, lost her mother to colorectal cancer. Lee says colonoscopies are the best way to screen and are one of the safest outpatient procedures and should be done every 10 years — every 5 years if you have a family history of the disease or if you’ve had polyps in the past.
Pacheco lost his grandmother to a different type of cancer, but today’s speakers emphasized that screening for any type of cancer is key.
“Well, I also know that I have to start doing those steps too,” Pacheco said.
Experts say a healthy diet, one with high fiber and plants, is recommended.
Likewise, that everyone should be tested: they say that for those who have Medicaid or who do not have insurance, the American Cancer Society has resources on its website to connect people with free or low-cost exams.
