The best way to fight cancer is to have an early detection plan; becoming proactive allows you to detect cancer early on, all of which increase your chances for survival.

According to the American Cancer Society, Florida has the 2nd highest number of cancer cases and deaths of any state, except California. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in women; meanwhile, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in American women, 15-53 years of age. Here in Bay County, the most common forms of cancer are: breast, prostate, skin, colon and lung among both men and women.

Local doctors say it is crucial to know what resources are at hand throughout the local community. To learn more about cancer in our community, you can attend the "First Annual Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Symposium" at Gulf Coast Community College on Saturday, February 27th from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More than 20 doctors currently providing care in the panhandle will not only speak during Saturday’s symposium, but additionally answer questions and provide free cancer screenings to those interested.

More Statistic from the American Cancer Society:
•More than 102,200 people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2010
•Almost 42,000 Floridians will die of cancer in 2010• In 2009, the three leading causes of cancer death for all men, were lung, prostate and colorectal cancer.

Overall …
•85% - 90% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.
•On average, mammography will detect 80%-90% of breast cancers in women without symptoms.
• The survival rate for women diagnosed with localized breast cancer is 98%.
•At least half of all colorectal cancer cases could be prevented by regular screening tests.

To view the complete schedule of the Cancer Symposium, please click the thumbnail above.