The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers in Logan County to educate local women about breast, cervical and colorectal cancer and make sure these women have access to lifesaving screening tests. The Society trains volunteer Community Health Advisors (CHA) on the basics of cancer and health disparities and provides information on community resources to help women get screened for the disease. In West Virginia, communities targeted by the CHA program have been identified by county within the Appalachian Region and include Boone, Logan and Mingo, as well as Marion, Harrison and Lewis counties. These counties have lower than average breast and colorectal cancer screening rates, higher than average cancer mortality rates and higher than average percent of families in poverty.

Regular screening examinations by health care professionals can result in the early detection and removal of precancerous growths, as well as the diagnosis of cancers at an early stage, when they are the most treatable. Cancers of the cervix, colon and rectum can be prevented by removal of precancerous tissue. Cancers that can be diagnosed early through screening include cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, prostate, oral cavity and skin. However, screening is known to reduce mortality only for cancers of the breast, colon, rectum and cervix, the cancer sites volunteers in the CHA program will focus on with education and access to resources.

Upcoming trainings will take place between June and the end of July. For more information about becoming a CHA volunteer or about the CHA program, contact Vicky Hughes at 304-638-5730 or email her at vicky.hughes@cancer.org.