In 2012, there were an estimated 14.1 million cancer cases around the world. By 2035, this number is expected to increase to 24 million, according to The World Cancer Research Fund International.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it’s easy to feel helpless. Yet, there are ways we can contribute to help cancer patients, survivors, and the scientists and doctors working to treat and eradicate the disease.
In honor of World Cancer Day 2017, we’ve compiled a list of actions you can take to help combat the global cancer burden.
1.Get Informed
If you or a loved one contracts cancer, the first step is to learn everything you can about the disease. It’s important to find a respected oncologist that will be there for your family every step of the way and whom you can ask any questions you have.
The internet can be a useful tool in answering any additional questions you might have, or for finding videos to explain medical terms, but be sure to read only legitimate websites and discuss any change in your routine with your doctor.
If you’re concerned specifically about lung cancer, it’s important to know how Big Tobacco profits from making their products addictive, cruelly disregarding its lethality.
Similarly, if you or your loved one is facing mesothelioma, which is caused by exposure to asbestos, there’s a good chance a company’s use of asbestos is at fault, especially if you worked in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, or served in the army. Understanding your rights if you were diagnosed with mesothelioma is crucial; employers must be held accountable for placing their employees in harm’s way.
Additionally, it’s important for all of us to learn about the link between lifestyle and cancer in order to understand the importance of leading a healthy, active life.
2. Donate Money
If you are able to donate money to the cause, it can go a long way. Consumer Reports compiled the following list of the best charities to give money to, based on ratings by consumer watchdogs and the percentage that they actually spend on charitable programming:
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation, New York, N.Y.
- Cancer Research Institute, New York, N.Y.
- Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Norwalk, Conn.
- Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, New York, N.Y.
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Calif.
If you’d like to give money to help breast cancer patients specifically, Time Magazine outlines how to make the biggest impact with your donations.
3. Donate Your Time
Money is not the only way to help cancer patients.
You can volunteer in a local or national organization, like the American Cancer Society, and do things like spend time with patients, work at a resale shop, or provide information and support at resource centers.
Joining a marathon or walk to fundraise for people with life threatening illnesses, like attorney Matt Morgan’s Walk for Wishes coming up this spring, is a good way to get involved and also stay active.
4. Get Involved in the Fight for Legal Medical Marijuana
Marijuana has been shown to help patients manage pain and even stop the spread of cancer.
In a test with breast cancer genes, scientists at The California Pacific Medical Center discovered that cannabidiol (CBD) prevents the spread of ID-1, the gene that causes the metastasis of cancer. They are optimistic that CBD will be effective in treating other forms of cancer as well, such as brain, prostate and thyroid cancer.
Studies have shown, and patients have sworn by, the use of marijuana to treat nausea and other symptoms of chemotherapy.
Becoming an advocate and fighting for the legalization of medical marijuana in your home state can help those struggling with cancer and chronic illness in your community to get the medical treatment they need.
5. Get Justice
A diagnosis of cancer is difficult enough on its own, but learning that the cancer was caused by another’s misconduct is truly heartbreaking.
If you suspect you or your loved one’s mesothelioma was a result of dangerous work conditions, or if your loved one’s death was at the hands of a crippling addiction propagated and profited by tobacco companies, you may be entitled to compensation. The money recovered in a lawsuit can help pay for medical costs, as well as loss of wages. Fill out a free, confidential case evaluation form to get in touch with our attorneys today.
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