Information Central

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The Wisconsin Division, Inc.is a member of the American Cancer Society, the nationwide community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem through research, education, advocacy and service to prevent cancer, save lives from cancer and diminish suffering.

Did you know...critical challenges face the American Cancer Society as we fight cancer. Remember that cancer is not one disease, but rather a group of more than 10 diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If not controlled, it results in death.

Did you know...in the United States about 1.2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in 1999 and over 560,000 people will die of the disease.

Did you know...the two leading types of cancer are prostate and breast; about 179,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 175,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer here in the United States.

Did you know...about 30% of the people now living will eventually have cancer, and cancer will strike in approximately 3 out of every 4 families.

But there is hope on the horizon!

Did you know...for the first time in history, cancer death rates have started to decline, providing compelling evidence that progress is occurring in the fight against cancer. For the period 1990-1996, cancer death rates have dropped by 4.6% !

Did you know...today, more than 58% of cancer patients are alive at least 5 years after treatment. In fact, more than 8 million people who have had a history of cancer are alive today in the United States. Some of these people can be considered cured, while others still have evidence of cancer and may be undergoing treatment.

Did you know...cancer is treated successfully by surgery, radiation, radioactive substances, chemicals, hormones, and immunotherapy.

Did you know...the American Cancer Society has been a leader in increasing breast cancer awareness and setting guidelines for breast cancer screening. In 1987, 36% of women had ever had a mammogram. That number jumped to 67% by 1992 and continues to increase. Regular mammography screening can reduce breast cancer mortality by over 30%.

If you would like more detailed information about the fight against cancer, click on the ACS symbol below.

Relay for Life began in 1985 in Tacoma, Washington. The president of the local Tacoma area American Cancer Society, Dr. Gordon Klatt, was looking for a creative way to raise money. An avid runner, Dr. Klatt eventually agreed to spend 24 hours walking and running around Tacoma's beautiful and historic Stadium High School Track, located on the edge of Puget Sound. In return for his efforts, Dr. Klatt and his friends, family, and fellow ACS volunteers solicited contributions and pledges. With only short, infrequent breaks, Dr. Klatt made it through his 24 hour marathon of circling the track, with a great deal of support from many people. His efforts were well received: more than $27,000 was raised in that 1st year, with Dr. Klatt as the sole participant! (In case you're curious, Dr. Klatt logged 81 miles in his relay!)

Soon after the 1985 Relay in Tacoma, plans were made to "open" up this event to many people, comprised of teams, and all joined together for a common goal: to raise money in the fight against cancer. Thus, the Relay for Life, as we know it today, was born. An interesting note: the Tacoma Relay for Life continues to be one of the nation's largest single Relay for Life events, raising $452,000 at 1998's event, with 1,500 people on 131 teams. In case your interested, the single largest Relay for Life last year was held in Gwinnet County (home of Atlanta, GA) and raised nearly $1,000,000! (Thanks to Carla Wiese from the American Cancer Society Office in Tacoma, WA for those stats!)

The Relay for Life is now the American Cancer Society's National Signature Event. Relays for Life across the country have continued to grow and reach people. In 1996-97, Relay for Life events raised $60 million! This year more than $100 million will be raised throughout the United States at Relays for Life. This event helps build friendships and camaraderie among co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family. Everyone who participates in a Relay would agree that a very special bond is formed!

Look Good...Feel Better
Female cancer patients can receive a one on one consultation with a certified cosmetologist or they can attend a monthly group patient session and receive a make up kit worth $200. Patients learn how to deal with the appearance related side effects of cancer treatment.

Reach to Recovery
Breast cancer patients can receive a visit from a breast cancer survivor trained to give information and support.

I Can Cope
A six to eight session program for cancer patients and their families.

Hozhoni Weekend
A weekend summer camp for children with cancer and their families.

Loan and Gift Program
Cancer patients can borrow medical equipment or obtain home care supplies at no cost. Equipment available consists of wheelchairs, commodes, shower stools, canes, and more. Home care supplies such as comfort pads, egg crate mattresses, incontinence products and wigs are also available.

Great American Smokeout
Materials can be ordered t create awareness of tobacco use and the importance of quitting. There are materials appropriate for schools, businesses, children's organizations, churches, etc. The event is held every year on the third Thursday of November.

Freshstart
Smoking cessation program. A representative of local business or hospital can be trained to offer this program in the Wood North Unit. Training and materials are free.

Tobacco Free Coalition
A group of concerned residents committed to reducing tobacco use in the Wood North Unit community.

Comprehensive School Health Education
Curriculum kits available to each school in the Wood North Unit at no charge. The kits focus on the prevention of tobacco use, skin cancer, and other cancers through nutrition education.

Pink Ribbon Month
A community outreach program to increase the awareness of the importance of early detection in breast cancer. This program is held during the month of October. An inspirational message and a pink ribbon is provided to women around the state.

Mother's Day
A breast cancer early detection community outreach program preceding Mother's Day. An inspirational message card or post card, given as a reminder of the importance of breast health and mammography.

Wisconsin Women's Cancer Control Program
The following checkups are available at no cost to women who meet certain income guidelines. Clinical breast exam, mammogram, pap test and pelvic exam, and other tests to diagnose problems in the breast and cervix.

Father's Day
A prostate cancer early detection community awareness campaign taking place in the weeks preceding Father's Day. An inspirational message encourages men in a positive way to get an annual physical and prostate cancer screening exam.