The J-TAC

Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Opinion

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This weekend the annual Relay for Life will take place on Tarleton's campus, as it has for many years past. Every year, people from miles around come to show their support for those who have either survived or succumbed to cancer. I bet if I were to walk around campus and ask people whether or not they know someone who has fought, or is still fighting the disease, the number who had would be staggering.

According to the American Cancer Society, 562,340 Americans are expected to die of cancer this year. That's about 1,500 people per day; the numbers are ridiculous. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., following heart disease. Statistically, one out of every four Americans die of cancer every year.

Cancer attacks without bias. It will target anyone from ages one to infinity. Men and women should start getting cancer screenings at the age of 20 according to the American Cancer Society. That's how serious of a murderer this disease can be.

Men and women should have their colon checked by age 50. Women should have regular breast exams at age 20 and cervical exams at 18. Cancer seems to favor the female gender slightly more than males, so I urge all the female readers to not be scared and to go see your doctor about having regular checkups.

Men should have a prostate exam starting at 50 years of age. Guys, I know that having someone examine that area is not fun, but it is imperative to take this seriously. This may be an uncomfortable procedure, but it is necessary to stay ahead of cancer

Here in Texas we love to smoke our stogies, drink our beer and live life large. We usually don't think about any consequences to our actions or what we put in our bodies. In 2009, 36,030 people died of cancer in our great state. That's third in the nation in number of cancer related fatalities, only behind California and Florida. I know that cancer is not always caused by what we put in our bodies, but we should be more health conscious anyway. Cancer strikes without warning, it attacks out grandmothers, sisters, brothers, uncles, you name it.

If you are living with cancer, keep your chin up, fight hard and never lose the will to live. Cancer is a tough opponent, but it is not invincible.

I dedicate this article to my loving friend Shelly Stillman, the strongest human being I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I love you with all my heart and you are forever in my thoughts.

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