Spread the love this Valentine's Day 
By Nancy Cheney, Alliance Development Director

This Valentine's Day, give a gift that keeps on giving. 
Give from the heart and help reduce the burden of cancer in our state. Help us support cancer patients in South Carolina by donating today where the need is greatest. Your donation enables the Alliance to continue to inform our citizens about cancer, cancer risk factors, screening services, and available resources. 
Together, we can and will reduce the impact of cancer in South Carolina.
Thank you to
our sponsor!
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 18, 2019
December 5, 2019
INITIATIVES AND SUCCESSES

BREAST CANCER
The breast cancer workgroup was approved for a Susan G. Komen grant to implement a comprehensive education program to increase breast and cervical cancer screenings for residents in transitional homes and public housing. Residents will learn more about free and low-cost screening programs as well as breast cancer prevention and risk factors. Also, the workgroup met in January to review and update the state cancer plan objectives.

CERVICAL CANCER
The cervical cancer workgroup launched a funding opportunity to increase the HPV vaccination rates in the Pee Dee region of the state. This funding opportunity is supported by a grant from Merck Pharmaceuticals . The workgroup awarded funding to St. James-Santee Family Health Center and Little River Medical Center.

Also, the workgroup is excited to share that the newly expanded HPV Vaccination Awareness Campaign will be named: HPV Vaccination NOW: This is our Moment
The goal of this campaign is to recruit 30 HPV vaccination influencers in South Carolina to develop a collaborative learning and advocacy environment to increase HPV vaccination by training and supporting individuals – and parents- to serve as proponents, ambassadors, and social media influencers in order to overcome barriers to HPV vaccination.

The Alliance attended the 38th Annual School Nurse Conference on February 1 and 2, 2019 and distributed HPV vaccination materials to over 400 school nurses.

COLORECTAL CANCER
The colorectal cancer workgroup met in December to review and update the state cancer plan objectives. As a result of this meeting, the Alliance will be collaborating with the SC Hospital Association and SC Gastroenterology Association on several new colorectal cancer awareness initiatives. More details to follow as these initiatives further develop.

Also, the Alliance will distribute Colon Cancer Awareness kits during Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March. These kits will be distributed through our faith-based initiative as well as our corporate partners. The kits will include social media messages, recommended activities, and educational materials. Please visit the newly designed colorectal cancer page of the Alliance website.

LUNG CANCER
The lung cancer workgroup partnered with the SC Tobacco Quitline to develop a low-dose computed tomography (also called a low-dose CT scan, or LDCT) screening flyer. This digital flyer is now available to all Quitline participants.

Also, the workgroup is exploring the possibility of presenting at the South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians Summer Break Away in June 2019.

POLICY AND ADVOCACY
The policy and advocacy workgroup hosted Blue Granite Training Day on December 6, 2018 and there were 25 attendees. Attendees discussed effective methods for communicating with their elected officials and the importance of public policy.

On Thursday, February 28th at 11:30 a.m. the workgroup will meet at the State House to distribute the Cancer In South Carolina, 20-year Trends in Incidence, Mortality, and Survival Report to South Carolina State Legislators. If you are interested in participating in this initiative, please email info@sccancer.org or call 803-708-4732.

PROSTATE CANCER
The prostate cancer workgroup will host a one day prostate education workshop. This event will take place on April 27th in Florence, SC from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The workshop will include topics on the importance of prostate health and nutrition, the story of a prostate cancer survivor, and the opportunity to talk with a health care provider.

SURVIVORSHIP
The survivorship workgroup has confirmed the agenda and secured the keynote speakers
( Dr. Sage Bolte and Dr. Julia Rowland ) for the survivorship evidence academy scheduled for May 17, 2019. Also, the third annual cancer survivorship patient workshop in Fort Mill is scheduled for September 14, 2019. Attendees will learn about healthy coping skills and effective methods for communicating with their health care provider.
Visit the Sumter ITEM to learn more about our rural health initiatives.