OCEAN COUNTY PARKS TO HOST SIX-WEEK DIABETES SELF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
October 14, 2022
Drugs 101: Drug Trends for Ocean County Parents
October 19, 2022
What Started as a Breast Cancer Awareness Celebration Now Recognizes Women & Men With All Types of Cancer
The Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) is celebrating Pretty in Pink/Handsome in Blue Day on October 25, 2022. Residents are encouraged to wear something pink or blue on that day as a symbol of support for individuals in the fight against cancer and the importance of boosting awareness.
“Pretty in Pink/Handsome in Blue Day is a day we honor all the brave people fighting breast cancer – or any one of the many forms of this devastating disease,” said Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “Additionally, it’s important to appreciate the caretakers, remember loved ones lost to cancer and cherish the survivors.”
The American Cancer Society estimates more than 609,360 deaths from cancer in the US in 2022, which is about 1,670 deaths per day. New Jersey is estimated to have more than 15,550 cancer deaths by the end of this year.
However, some positive news is that 42% of newly diagnosed cancers in the country – about 805,600 cases in 2022 – are potentially avoidable, including the 19% of cancers caused by smoking and at least 18% caused by a combination of excess body weight, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity.*
“By adding a splash of pink or blue to your wardrobe on October 25, we hope it will remind individuals that by living a healthy lifestyle – that means making smart eating choices, exercising regularly and not smoking can certainly make a big difference in your overall health,” advised Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer. “It’s also imperative for people to discuss potential risk factors such as family cancer history with their health care provider. Early detection is a major factor in surviving many forms of the disease.”
Statistics support this fact, from 2001 to 2020, cancer death rates went down 27%, and the overall 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined has increased substantially from 27% to 68% since the early 1960s.
Although cancer death rates have decreased, the number of cancer survivors has increased. As the US population is aging, and cancer rates increase with age.
Regenye continued, “Just about everyone has been touched by cancer in some way – whether it’s a loved one, co-worker or neighbor – cancer does not discriminate. Now let’s show them our support by wearing some pink or blue on October 25. ”
To learn more about OCHD cancer screening services, please visit our website at www.ochd.org or follow us on Twitter@OCpublichealth or like us on Facebook. Download the Ocean County Health Department mobile app free from the Google Play/Android and Apple APP stores.
