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Awareness to action: The importance of supporting those with cancer

I don’t know of anyone in my community or work family who hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way, shape or form. During cancer awareness months such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and “Movember,” the dialogue ramps up around cancer detection, prevention, treatment, advocacy and support for those affected. For those who are living with or have lived with the presence of this disease in their own life or the life of a loved one, the dialogue around this life-altering disease never leaves them.

Once open, the 53,000 square-foot St. Charles Cancer Center in Redmond, Oregon, will offer expanded cancer care for the Central Oregon region, serving more than 300 patients per day. (Rendering credit: TVA Architects)

The American Cancer Society reports that “a little over 2 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US” this year. Additionally, more than 600,000 deaths are expected across the country, making cancer the second most common cause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart disease.

With numbers like these, we can’t afford to only pay attention to the widespread reality of cancer just a few times a year. Supporting those who are dealing with this disease is of utmost importance.

For so many, cancer doesn’t get to take a backseat, which is why my family and closest Skanska colleagues and friends prioritize being supporters year-round for those in the throes of cancer diagnoses, and advocates for early prevention and detection.

It’s personal
When I was 16 years old, I had malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Back then, doctors weren’t as familiar as they are today with that form of the disease. Thankfully, having it removed early was lifesaving.

But cancer has continued to rear its head repeatedly throughout my life, in different contexts. My mom and dad both had cancer. My wife had cancer. My brother-in-law’s brother died of lymphoma. I’ve had close colleagues endure significant challenges and bouts with this disease.

Today, I carry the experiences of those in my life who have faced cancer and been champions along the way. Seeing cancer take and disrupt the lives of people I love most has shaped how I use my voice and my time today. Perhaps most importantly, being in proximity to cancer on multiple occasions has taught me the importance of empathy and that support for those dealing with cancer can take the form of friendship, advocacy, time, donating financially, or simply offering a listening ear.

Our Phoenix, Arizona team walked along the Tempe Town Lake waterfront during the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk. Together, they raised over $3,400 to support breast cancer awareness and research efforts.
Our Phoenix, Arizona team walked along the Tempe Town Lake waterfront during the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk. Together, they raised over $3,400 to support breast cancer awareness and research efforts.

 

Cancer projects highlight the need for continued research and better care
In the construction industry, health and safety are paramount. At Skanska, we prioritize health and safety in our approach to delivering projects, and in the work that makes up our portfolio. As we build places like hospitals, public health laboratories, children’s hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and cancer centers, the health of those in our communities is always top of mind.

In the past year alone, Skanska broke ground or reached completion on several cutting-edge projects in the cancer care and research space, keeping our team members close to addressing the prevalence of this disease.

Earlier this year, we opened the Blood Cancer Healing Center at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, the nation’s most comprehensive blood cancer facility. In the same month, we broke ground on the 53,000 square-foot St. Charles Cancer Center in Redmond, Oregon, a facility that will expand cancer care services throughout Central Oregon as it provides care for more than 300 patients per day. The need for easier access to cancer detection and treatment centers like these energizes me to continue advocating for those who deal with cancer. However, I’m also encouraged by the work of individuals and organizations that support efforts to prevent and cure the disease.

Support comes in different forms
Among these life-changing organizations is the American Cancer Society - an umbrella organization to other cancer associations that aim to save lives. The Cancer Society’s resources can make a difference in the lives of cancer patients, while helping families and caregivers navigate unknown territory. Their impact goes beyond funding critical research to providing individualized support when it matters most.

Through their 24/7 Cancer Helpline for example, anyone can call and get help tailored to their situation. Anyone can call and say, “I don’t know what to do,” or ask, “What resources exist for my situation?” and they will connect you with someone who has been through a similar situation. The Cancer Society also provides free rides and grocery delivery services, life-giving pathways of support that are too often an afterthought.

Speaking from experience, all these initiatives add up and make a difference. Every bit of support matters. I believe that if we support organizations like the American Cancer Society, we have the greatest opportunity to maximize our impact when it comes to cancer prevention and care.

If you’re reading this today, I hope you’ll join me in taking at least one action for yourself or others- something that goes beyond checking a box. Here are a few ideas to get started:

  • Schedule a yearly health checkup
  • Encourage your employees to take time off to take care of their own health needs or the needs of loved ones
  • Explore the American Cancer Society’s many support programs and resources for patients and caregivers
  • Check in on a friend or family member who is battling cancer or supporting someone who is

As you take action, I hope you know that your words and time go a long way for those dealing with the presence of cancer. More often than not, when facing some of life’s darkest moments, we just need to know there’s someone in our corner who cares.