Why Should You Get Screened for National Cancer Prevention Month?

UHSM aims to partner with extraordinary individuals and organizations that we think our members can connect with and benefit from. In recognizing February as National Cancer Prevention Month, we want to highlight our partnerships with Yoli Origel of Cancer Kinship, a nonprofit which seeks to help patients and their loved ones adjust to a cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship, and Jarett Andretti, a member of the distinguished racing Andretti family that has launched the #CheckIt4Andretti Charitable Foundation, to increase awareness of the importance of screenings in the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer.UHSM aims to partner with extraordinary individuals and organizations that we think our members can connect with and benefit from.

READY, SET, GO GET CHECKED

In remembrance of John Andretti, an adored racecar driver, and father of Jarett, the Andretti family felt the responsibility of carrying on John’s mission after his battle with colon cancer. To prevent individuals from a diagnosis like John’s, the new foundation, led by Nancy Andretti and Carolyn Andretti Molander, plans to fund high risk, low-income patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or too young for insurance to cover the cost of screening. Early detection can save lives, and the #CheckIt4Andretti Charitable Foundation intends to assist everyone at risk with a life-saving opportunity.

YOLI’S EMPOWERING STORY

Cancer Kinship Executive Director Yoli Origel, a 13-year survivor of stage 3 breast cancer, first encountered the effects of cancer at the young age of 7 when her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and passed away. After receiving her initial diagnosis in 2007 and battling cancer with 16 weeks of chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, 7 weeks of daily radiation treatments, and many reconstructive surgeries, Yoli made a commitment to educating the community on the importance of screenings and early detection by sharing her personal cancer story. Since she carries the BRCA 1 breast cancer gene, Yoli took the extra preventative measure and underwent a hysterectomy to decrease her heightened risk of ovarian and other gynecologic cancers.

Seven years into Yoli’s cancer survival, her sister passed away from stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that had spread to both breasts, bones, lungs, and brain. Since then, she has made it her personal mission to not only raise awareness on the importance of screenings and prevention but to also provide emotional support to those who have heard the dreaded words, “You have cancer,” by creating sustainable and impactful programs and services offered by Cancer Kinship. Yoli has created a community where anyone affected by cancer–no matter where they stand in their journey–can brave the storm together, confidently and fearlessly, resulting in decreased cancer risks and improved quality of life for all.

WHAT TO DO

Last year, roughly 1.8 million people were diagnosed with cancer in the United States. According to the CDC, regular screening may find breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancers early, when treatment is the most effective.

For detecting breast cancer, mammograms are the best way to find the disease early, when it’s more treatable. In comparison, the Pap test and the HPV test can detect cervical cancer. Colorectal cancer usually develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps to remove before they turn into cancer.

UHSM urges its members not to delay getting checked and to schedule their screening today. Safety protocols are in place at physician offices to ensure community safety and prevent COVID-19 exposure.

For more information on the #CheckIt4Andretti Charitable Foundation, please visit: https://www.andrettiautosport.com/news/checkit4andretti-charitable-foundation-launches-in-honor-of-the-late-john-andretti

For more information on Cancer Kinship and Yolanda Origel’s story, please visit: https://www.cancerkinship.org/