Cancer Rates in North Central Florida
Published January 22nd, 2013
GAINESVILLE FL:
Its a disease that's translates across the globe...but has left behind a devastating trail right here in north central florida.
A new study shows our area has a higher death rate for those with cancer- higher than anywhere else in the state.
Barb Thomas cancer connections coordinator will never forget one moment when she"was just there to get an annual check up."
A check up that saved her life.
Barb Thomas was diagnosed with breast cancer that day almost six years ago...
Undergoing two surgeries and multiple treatments...
She is a survivor.
A survivor who knows how important those check ups can be.
Barb Thomas says that day "the radiologist came in the room and he said i believe that you have very early stage breast cancer and i want you to get a biopsy immediately."
It was that immediate care that prevented the disease from progressing.
But not everyone has access to such urgent care.
One study conducted by the well florida council shows that fewer people are diagnosed with cancer in north central florida....
But it also shows that the death rates for those people is higher than compared to the rest of the state.
The question is...why?
The CEO of Well Florida Council, Jeff Feller says, "so we need to understand what is driving what we think is a lack of screening behavior thats probably fueling a good bit of this. and once we understand that we will try to get some grant money and do some group collaborative efforts."
The lack of screening could be caused by a number of factors.
Whether its transportation, financial issues...
Or something beyond that like a lack of education on the importance of regular cancer screenings.
Another theory is that some just don't feel like they need to see a doctor when they aren't feeling well.
For Thomas... she believes that mentality could be fatal.
Thomas encourages others to get screened by saying, "its vitally important to make a habit of getting screened faithfully once a year and stick with it...it isn't easy but your life may depend upon it."
those faithful screenings saved barb thomas's life six years ago.
and she believes that taking that first step to talk to your doctor about cancer screenings just might save yours.
All of the findings can be found on 'well- florida' dot org.
'Well Florida' plans on working with the community to find answers north central florida residents may face.
A new study shows our area has a higher death rate for those with cancer- higher than anywhere else in the state.
Barb Thomas cancer connections coordinator will never forget one moment when she"was just there to get an annual check up."
A check up that saved her life.
Barb Thomas was diagnosed with breast cancer that day almost six years ago...
Undergoing two surgeries and multiple treatments...
She is a survivor.
A survivor who knows how important those check ups can be.
Barb Thomas says that day "the radiologist came in the room and he said i believe that you have very early stage breast cancer and i want you to get a biopsy immediately."
It was that immediate care that prevented the disease from progressing.
But not everyone has access to such urgent care.
One study conducted by the well florida council shows that fewer people are diagnosed with cancer in north central florida....
But it also shows that the death rates for those people is higher than compared to the rest of the state.
The question is...why?
The CEO of Well Florida Council, Jeff Feller says, "so we need to understand what is driving what we think is a lack of screening behavior thats probably fueling a good bit of this. and once we understand that we will try to get some grant money and do some group collaborative efforts."
The lack of screening could be caused by a number of factors.
Whether its transportation, financial issues...
Or something beyond that like a lack of education on the importance of regular cancer screenings.
Another theory is that some just don't feel like they need to see a doctor when they aren't feeling well.
For Thomas... she believes that mentality could be fatal.
Thomas encourages others to get screened by saying, "its vitally important to make a habit of getting screened faithfully once a year and stick with it...it isn't easy but your life may depend upon it."
those faithful screenings saved barb thomas's life six years ago.
and she believes that taking that first step to talk to your doctor about cancer screenings just might save yours.
All of the findings can be found on 'well- florida' dot org.
'Well Florida' plans on working with the community to find answers north central florida residents may face.
