By Latya Shackelford Voice of the Ville
You might not be thinking about getting cancer now, but there are things you can do now to keep from getting it later. Nurse Latoya Sanders at East English Village Preparatory Academy recommends that female high school students get monthly breast exams. “Young people should also wear sun screen or even a hat when exposed to the sun as a prevention method,” Sanders states.
Although Sanders has not been affected by cancer, she knows a lot of people that have been diagnosed. St. John’s presently has several support groups available for people dealing with cancer and people affected by cancer. “Cancer is something that people have to deal with, so I consider myself a cancer advocate,” Sanders adds.
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer has unfortunately affected many people throughout the United States. There are many types of cancers and any body part can be affected.
There currently isn’t a cure for cancer, yet there are various treatments available to aid in the effects of cancer. There is also support available for children whom parent has been diagnosed with cancer. Children are encouraged to talk to family members, friends and/or a school social worker.
An East English Village Preparatory Academy junior, Princess Baltimore grandmother died at the age of 84 from cancer this past September. Although her grandmother lived in Jackson, Michigan, Princess often communicated with her grandmother and traveled to visit her during the summer months. When Princess learned of her grandmother’s diagnosis earlier this year, she stated, “I was initially shocked and felt immediately sad”. Princess often was depressed as a result of her grandmother’s diagnosis. But through the support of her mother, family members and friends, she was able to talk about her feelings and overcome depression. “The last conversation I had with my grandmother, she told me to graduate from high school successfully and I plan to do just that,” Princess added.
