Health

National Cancer Control Month may not mean a lot to you, but the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Cancer Council want you to know that we are working hard to raise awareness about cancer prevention and the early detection of cancer, which can affect you and your loved ones.

In Texas alone, it was estimated in 2004 that approximately 85,000 individuals will be diagnosed with cancer, and another 37,000 will die from the disease, and the rates have increased since that time.

There are five types of cancer that are the most common in Texas: skin, lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer.

Many cancers can be prevented and often cured if detected and treated early, and the Smith County Extension office has many resources for the public.

Extension offers programs to every county in the state of Texas.

Many extension offices can help individuals increase their physical activity, educate them on the hazards of tobacco products, provide information on how to protect children from secondhand smoke, and even give information on sun safety.

Those who are looking for information on breast, cervical, colorectal or prostate cancer can find it through the Extension office.

The Smith County Extension office can provide help at every stage of life, educating the public on how to prevent cancer and find it early.

Let's prevent cancer from affecting those we love.

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Cancer Council hope you have a great 2008 - and let's control cancer this month.

For more information regarding programs on cancer, call 903-590-2980.

Shelia Lewis
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