This Sunday marks the 23^rd annual National Cancer Survivors Day, when people around the country celebrate life and recognize caregivers like you who support survivors.

One way to honor the survivors in your life is through NOEP's free online video education. In your review at the end of the course, please list the name of a friend or family member who inspires you, or share a story of an interaction you've had while caring for a patient survivor (without mentioning names). Joni Watson, MSN, RN, OCN wrote, "For all the young adults who've allowed me to care for them on their cancer journey." 

The video's stories of young adults experiencing cancer will move you, and you'll then more easily recognize the unique needs these survivors have as adults. No matter your role or field of practice, you can impact cancer survivors of all ages.  

Tobacco is the #1 cause of disability and death and most smokers DO want to quit. The good news is that counselling and medication can more than double the chance that a smoker who tries to quit will succeed.

How you can help:

• Refer tobacco users to Yes! I'm Ready to Quit so they may develop a Quit Plan.
• Put up a poster or share a flyer about World No Tobacco Day 2010.
• Send an E-card to encourage would-be or recent quitters with specific messages.

This fall, NOEP will offer new CNE on Tobacco Cessation. Together, we can educate patients and friends on the dangers of tobacco use and help them kick the habit! 

National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week (NYACAW), April 4-10, 2010, is being celebrated and supported across the country, to raise awareness about the important cancer-related issues unique to this age group.  

Nearly 70,000 young adults between the ages of 15 to 39 are diagnosed with cancer each year and it is the leading disease killer among 20- to 39-year olds. In addition to the unique psychosocial concerns that young adults face - such as fertility, body image, cognitive function, long-term effects, education, insurance and employment - young adults have different biological and clinical aspects to their cancers, and have had less survival improvement than either younger or older patients.  

In support of this initiative, NOEP is introducing two free CNE programs (a video and a slidecast) on Young Adult Cancer Survivorship. We encourage nurses to know the warning signs of cancer, understand what types of cancer for which young adults may be at risk, and learn about cancer screening.

For more information on NYACAW, please visit www.youngadultswithcancer.org and www.livestrong.org/yaa.

Tools for Texans: Helping Communities Fight Cancer is a unique workshop developed for community stakeholders, healthcare professionals, cancer survivors, volunteers, and anyone who wants to work towards fighting cancer in the community. The two-day workshop will enhance the capacity of participants to implement cancer prevention and control programs in communities throughout the state.

The program was developed to help Texans work together toward the goals of a) tobacco use prevention and cessation, b) improving nutrition and increasing physical activity to reduce the incidence of obesity, and c) increasing the use of screening and early detection services.

Participants will acquire the tools necessary for developing a plan, using cancer statistics, planning meetings, media and outreach, finding resources, working with priority populations, locating funding, influencing public policy, and evaluating efforts. This is not an event for continuing education credit, but it provides an excellent opportunity for networking and skill-building. The theme of the event is Get Organized, Get Connected, and Make a Difference. By working together, we CAN control cancer in Texas.

The conference, presented by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas with funding by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will be held in Houston on April 22-23, 2010 at the DoubleTree Hotel near Intercontinental Airport. The conference fee is $50 (includes meals for both days and Cancer Control Toolkit materials). Travel scholarships are still being offered. For more information, call (800) 515-6770 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

View the complete brochure. Registration closes April 14, 2010.

UPDATE: DoubleTree Hotel is now sold out! The $25 room option is no longer available, but the following properties may have space at their regular rates: 

Hilton Garden Inn 281-449-4148

Hampton Inn Intercontinental 281-442-4600

Sheraton North 281-442-5100

Holiday Inn 281-449-2311

LaQuinta 281-219-2000

Comfort Inn and Suites 281-442-0600

Clarion Inn 281-987-8777

Sleep Inn 281-442-7770