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The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine is a 501c3 non-profit organization funded by private foundations, individual and corporate donations, and fundraisers. We embrace anyone affected by cancer in a community that offers hope and caring through support, education and concepts in healthy living. We offer one to one support; cancer resource navigation services; in-person, virtual and recorded wellness programs and activities; support groups for men and women; complementary therapy; travel and food assistance; and a variety of comfort items - all FREE - to anyone impacted by cancer....because no one should face cancer alone.
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Weekly Drop-In hours at the CRCofWM are Thursdays from 9am to 3pm; other weekdays by appointment. Volunteers will be available on Thursdays days to chat with patients and assist with any patient needs. CRCofWM staff is always available to meet with patients and caregivers by appointment, to discuss any specific support needs - please call (207) 890-0329 or email info@crcofwm.org.
Tree Lighting & Remembrance Ceremony - December 6th
2023
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November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung cancer is the overall leading cause of cancer death in the United States and the second most frequently diagnosed malignancy in both men and women. It accounts for about 25% of cancer deaths in the U.S. Lung and bronchus cancer is also the leading cause of death in Maine. However, the rates of lung cancer and bronchus cancer deaths are significantly higher in Maine than in the U.S. for both males and females. (2023 Maine Cancer Snapshot; DHHS, Maine CDC)
Who Gets Lung Cancer Anyone at any age can get lung cancer. However, lung cancer mainly occurs in older people, as most people diagnosed with the disease are aged 65 or older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. In the United States, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths. Using other tobacco products such as cigars or pipes also increases the risk for lung cancer. Tobacco smoke is a toxic mix of more than 7,000 chemicals. However, people who don’t smoke can develop lung cancer too. A new study found that out of 100 people in the United States who were recently diagnosed with lung cancer, about 12 of them (12%) had never smoked cigarettes. Risk factors for lung cancer not related to smoking include: exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, air pollution, and chemicals or materials at work such as asbestos. Remembering Those Impacted by Lung Cancer During November, we remember those who have faced this diagnosis, the families and loved ones who support these patients, and the medical professionals who do all they can to help patients survive and heal. In recent years, improved treatments, as well as enhanced early detection, have brought us closer toward turning cancer diagnoses from death sentences into treatable diseases. However, challenges persist for patients and their families. We would like to bring increased awareness to reducing the incidence of lung cancer and to increased screening. Lung Cancer Screening Screening is one of the most effective ways to detect lung cancer at its earliest stages when it is most treatable. And yet, less than 10% of eligible patients are routinely screened for lung cancer, resulting in thousands of preventable deaths every year in the U.S. In an effort to reduce lung cancer deaths due to smoking across the country, the American Cancer Society has expanded and updated its lung cancer screening guidelines. The new guideline recommends yearly screening for people aged 50 to 80 years old who smoke or formerly smoked and have a 20-year or greater pack-year history. (Pack-years is the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day, multiplied by the number of years smoked.) The recommended annual screening test for lung cancer is a low-dose computed tomography scan (also called a low-dose CT scan, or LDCT). Talk to Your Doctor The ACS stresses the importance of consulting with your doctor to help determine your eligibility for screening with a low-dose CT scan and the potential benefits, limits, and harms of yearly screening with LDCT scans. People who still smoke should receive counseling to help them quit. Maine residents can call 1-800-207-1230 for free help with quitting. "Slaying the Dragon" to Support Breast Cancer Awareness
Brian Otterson of Norway steers a dragon boat on Saturday on Lake Pennesseewassee in Norway. Darn Slover/Sun Journal
About 35 people turned out on Saturday, October 14th, many decked out in pink clothing and leis, to ride in a dragon boat ride to recognize that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many thanks to the Sun Journal for covering this story!
Read Full Story Cancer Resource Center Distributes Care Baskets to Cancer Patients in Western Maine
CRCofWM Volunteer Margie Bartlett
with Care Baskets Utilizing monies received through fundraising efforts and donations, the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine was able to make 50 Care Baskets to distribute to cancer patients located in western Maine who could use some extra help. The Care Baskets contain cleaning supplies, paper products and personal hygiene items. This is the third year of the project, which began during the COVID 19 pandemic as a result of many cancer patients not being able to purchase these items with their food stamps. Several volunteers came in to help put the baskets together.
NEW! Cancer Support Group for Men and Women at Sacopee Valley Health Center in PorterA new support group has started at Sacopee Valley Health Center in Porter. It is an initiative of The Grateful Undead in collaboration with the Sacopee Valley Health Center and sponsored by the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine. The Grateful Undead is a non-profit organization providing programs and services to support older adults living in southwestern Maine.
The group meets the second and fourth Fridays. For more information, please call Marianne Wyer at: (207) 749-0392. Set Your Spring Health and Wellness Goals
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Hope, Strength, Courage & Support
When you see the Flag...
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We offer free resources and programs for those affected by cancer. |
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