Cancer among younger Americans is on the rise, new study shows
By Lindsey Bever

"Most cancers in the United States are found in people age 65 and older, but a new study shows a concerning trend: Cancer among younger Americans, particularly women, is on the rise, with gastrointestinal, endocrine and breast cancers climbing at the fastest rates.

There were significant increases in certain types of cancer. Breast cancer, for instance, accounted for the highest number of cancer cases in younger people, and increased about 8 percent over the 10-year period, said Daniel Huang, assistant professor at the National University of Singapore and a transplant hepatologist at the National University Hospital, who is the senior author of the study.

Gastrointestinal cancers, including of the colon, appendix and bile duct, increased about 15 percent during that time — making it the fastest-growing type of cancer among younger people, he said.

The differences between men and women were striking. The number of early-onset cancers in women increased by 4.4 percent during the study period; among men the number declined by nearly 5 percent. The increases seen among younger women were probably driven by the rise in cancers of the breast and uterus.

Overall, younger people diagnosed with cancer still represent a relatively small portion of overall cancer cases, but the increases are nonetheless concerning."

Click here to read the full article.

WCRC Fully Staff with Latest Hire!

When Irene Neri joined our staff last month as our second Multicultural Patient Navigator, WCRC became fully-staffed for the first time since the pandemic began. We are delighted to welcome Irene to our staff team and can't wait to see what we all will accomplish together!

Irene Neri Hernandez

Irene received her bachelor's in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley. During her college years, Irene focused on working with undocumented students to bridge the gap of first-generation students in universities. Focused on helping low-income communities and people of color, she worked at East Bay Innovations where she was able to support adults with developmental disabilities acquire life skills to have a successful and equitable life. Irene continues to fight for social justice and serve all communities in need in WCRC as a Spanish-speaking multicultural navigator.

Don't Miss Out on these WCRC Events!

WCRC Co-Hosting Community Event with Breast Cancer Prevention Partners
    
TOMORROW, August 24th | 10 am to 2 pm
In-person at The Center for Healthy Communities, 2000 Franklin St. Oakland, CA
Or, Online via Zoom

Are you a community activist, policy expert, scientist, healthcare provider, survivor, or advocate? Help San Francisco/Bay Area prioritize breast cancer prevention strategies and interventions!

Our CA communities need access to clean air and water, healthy food, safer, nontoxic products; and protection from exposures linked to breast cancer where we live, work, play, pray, and learn. Whether you are a member of the local community, or you work in the fields of medicine, policy, or labor, your voice is vital to the success of this project.

What to expect:

 - Introduction to who BCPP is and our work

 - Introduction to our co-host organizations

 - What is the project and the science

 - Discussion of the issues and how this resonates in YOUR community

 - What's next? Our Next Steps!

 - Lunch will be provided!

We are thrilled to be a co-host on this important community discussion with Breast cancer Prevention Partners.

Options for both in-person or virtual attendance. Find out more about the event and register to attend by clicking here.

CLOSING AUGUST 31ST: The JanRae Community Art Gallery PRIDE 2023 Group Exhibition

Don't miss your chance to view the beautiful artwork on display in the JanRae Community Art Gallery's PRIDE 2023 Group Exhibition! Featuring pieces by:

 - Xequina Maria Berber
 - Susan Liroff
 - Leslie Mah
 - Sandy Morris
 - Laura Rifkin
 - Jennifer Senlio
 - Ava Shannon
 - Rome Smith
 - Griselda Tijero
 - Cassandra Tucker

You can come see the exhibition for yourself at our Center by making an appointment, weekdays between 10 am and 4 pm. Simply email [email protected]  to let us know when you'd like to stop by!

This show runs through August 31st, in person or via our virtual gallery at wcrc.org/art-gallery.

Upcoming Clinical Education Opportunity: Helping Clients Navigate Health-Related Stress with an Anti-Oppressive Approach
    
From time to time, WCRC offers clinical education opportunities for psychotherapists (licensed and pre-licensed) who are interested in learning more about psycho-oncology and mental health through a social justice lens.

Our next session "Helping Clients Navigate Health-Related Stress with an Anti-Oppressive Approach" with Tanisha Thelemaque, Ph.D. will take place on September 15, 2023 from 10 am to 12 pm (PST) online via Zoom.

Register at: https://bit.ly/43YnwBC

Oftentimes, when we work with individuals who experience acute or chronic health related issues, existential questions arise about the changes in their lives. Individuals often feel overwhelmed, helpless, and may experience acute stress responses. Certain evidence-based approaches or practices may be helpful in alleviating suffering, increasing hopefulness, and allowing clients to navigate their health-related challenges in an empowering manner. In this way, healing can be a cumulative experience that allows for post-traumatic growth (e.g., improved resilience in the face of traumatic events).

Community Partner Spotlights

Project Loving Life's 13th Annual Gala and Luncheon is coming up on October 14, 2023!

Women's Cancer Resource Center is deeply honored to be the sole beneficiary of Project Loving Life's 13th Annual Gala and Luncheon. Each year, the community event, fashion show, and fundraiser out does itself in support of our Sister-to-Sister program. Under the leadership of its founder, Miss Bobbie Wakefield, Project Loving Life has raised a total of more than $63,000 for support groups, educational offerings, and community health advocate volunteers supporting the unique needs of African American/Black women facing a cancer diagnosis.

Thank you, Miss Bobbie and Project Loving Life, for your unwavering supporting of WCRC's Sister to Sister program. Learn more about the annual Gala and Luncheon at projectlovinglife.org!

Charlotte Maxwell Clinic's Musical Extravaganza returns on October 8th, 2023 to the Frieght & Salvage!

After a 3-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the 8th Annual Musical Extravaganza to Benefit Charlotte Maxwell Clinic is back to deliver an exciting and entertaining experience for old and new fans alike. Returning to headline the show is Marcelle Davies Lashley, direct from Brooklyn, New York, backed by Bay Area bandleaders Vicki Randle, Shelley Doty and Kofy Brown. Opening the show will be S P I R I T, a new local band featuring Destiny Muhammad (Harpist from the Hood), Michaelle Goerlitz, Valerie Joi, and Caroline Chung.

Learn more about the services available at Charlotte Maxwell Clinic that this event supports at charlottemaxwell.org!