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April is National Cancer Control Month

April 7, 2013

In a proclamation issued March 29, President Barak Obama declared April 2013 as National Cancer Control Month. In this proclamation, Obama encourages all Americans to rededicate themselves to securing better outcomes, reducing new cases and advancing cancer research.

To beat this disease, prevention is key. Each individual can reduce the risk of developing cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake and sun exposure, and living tobacco-free. For help quitting smoking, visit www.BeTobaccoFree.gov. Additional resources on what cancer is and how to prevent it are available at www.cancer.gov.

Early detection is also vital in the fight against cancer. Quality Insights of Delaware, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Delaware, encourages consumers across the First State to get yearly tests that look for signs of some of the most common types of cancer like breast and colon. These cancers can usually be treated successfully if caught early, so getting these tests performed regularly is very important. The good news is that Medicare will pay for most of the cost associated with preventive screening tests - and some are even free.

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer occurs when cells in the body grow in an unnatural way. Those cells crowd out the normal ones. Cancer becomes more difficult to control once it metastasizes, or spreads, to other parts of the body. This is why preventive cancer screenings play a key role in controlling the disease by detecting it early when it is often most treatable.

Quality Insights is also helping doctors’ offices meaningfully use their electronic health record systems to ensure their patients receive appropriate preventive screening. This technology allows providers to more easily track and document preventive measures, with digital reminders that pop up on the computer screen to alert providers when a preventive screening is due.

Quality Insights of Delaware is committed to partnering with healthcare providers across the state to bring about widespread, significant improvements in the quality of care they deliver.  To learn more about this nonprofit organization, go to www.qide.org.

 

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