The 2013 Relay For Life of Bethel is an overnight, grassroots fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. This year's event will take place on Saturday, June 8. Since it's 2013, we'll be sharing 13 reasons why YOU should join us at Relay For Life. Reason #1 is Research.
***************************************
A cure for cancer. In the end, that's the ultimate goal of the American Cancer Society, and by extension, all those who participate in Relay For Life events across the country. While we're not there yet, the progress that has been made over the years has been substantial.
How does the American Cancer Society help to move us closer to a cure?
By supporting scientific research. Over the years, ACS has dedicated $3.8 billion to cancer research. Much of that funding goes to investigators who propose the most promising and innovative projects -- 46 scientists supported by ACS have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.
By conducting behavioral research. The ACS's first Cancer Prevention Study, started in 1959, tracked around one million individuals over many years, documenting their behavior as well as health. This study was the first to conclusively link smoking to lung cancer risk. The third Cancer Prevention Study, CPS-3, began a few years ago and will follow 500,000 participants for the next 20 years in an effort to better understand the factors that cause or prevent cancer.
Since 1990, over 1,000,000 cancer deaths have been prevented due to advances in detection and treatment. After increasing every prior year on record, annual cancer deaths began falling in the early 2000s.
We still have a long way to go. Cancer remains the number 1 cause of death worldwide. Based on current rates, more than 40% of all Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.
The funds raised at Relay For Life events will support the American Cancer Society's research efforts, bringing us that much closer to a world without cancer. Please join us on June 8 to help the ACS find a cure.
***************************************
For more information about the Relay For Life of Bethel, please visit our website.
