San Diego, CA  ( September 29, 2008)– The Facebook group “Tumors Suck” is proud to announce that the group is organizing Tumors Suck Day 10/25/08 to increase awareness for the plight of adolescents and young adult cancer survivors.  Great strides have been made in cancer survivorship in the pediatric and geriatric populations, but there has been little to no improvement in patients age 15-39 in the past 20 years.

There is no fundraising involved. The first step in fighting a horrible disease is raising awareness. What happened to HIV/AIDS? There is no cure yet, but incidence has decreased significantly in the past 10 years. Can WE do the same thing to cancer/tumors?

Just digest these facts and spread the word.

1. Cancer incidence in young adults has doubled over the past 20 years

2. 70,000 people ages 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer each year

3. Young adults with cancer have lower survival rates with respect to the geriatric and pediatric populations

There are many reasons there has been no improvement in young adult survival rates:

• Doctors don’t take young adult patients seriously because they are not in the typical demographic for cancer, brain tumors, or some other life threatening disease leading to delayed diagnosis.

• Lack of research - Young adult patients often are not eligible for studies (too old for pediatric studies or to young for traditional studies) and there are few studies geared towards the 15-39 age group.

• Entry level jobs with poor healthcare - young people are just starting out so the costs of healthcare are not a priority. Early detection/education about warning signs is essential.

• “Superman” complex - Belief that nothing could ever happen to a young adult patient. They think they are invincible! Early detection/education about warning signs is essential.

On Oct 25, 2008 Tumors Suck day please participate.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO ANYWHERE! Just print out and post the logo

http://www.ericgalvezdpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/blue-t-shirtblog1.jpg

where you work, go to school, or hangout. We need to spread the word about the young adult cancer/survivor population. NO ONE WILL DO IT FOR US. Wear a shirt or sticker to show support for adolescents and young adults like us that have to deal with a tumor/tumors.

Get gear here to show support for the cause.

http://www.cafepress.com/tumorssuck

All proceeds go to "I'm Too Young for This". Just print out the logo on 10/25 to show your support if you want! Share your pictures on the tumors suck facebook group. The logo has literally been around the WORLD. check out the pics! Stickers will be available soon.  Check the facebook group for updates. 

LETS STICK UP FOR EACH OTHER BECAUSE CHANCES ARE YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAD OR HAS A TUMOR!

“As a brain tumor survivor, physical therapist, and young adult, I realized that young adults are easily over looked in favor of the “cute” pediatric population, the “wise/respected” geriatric population, and the “established” adult population.  I’m at the tail end of my young adulthood so I’ve accomplished a few things along the way, but taking this journey as a young adult and healthcare professional has made me realize the neglect of this demographic.” said Eric Galvez DPT CSCS, creator of the “Tumors Suck” group on Facebook and Executive Director of www.masskickers.com.

About the Facebook group “Tumors Suck”

The group is chaired by young adult brain tumor survivors and advocates across North America.  The group is an online support group for adolescents/young adult tumor survivors and their love ones that promotes unity, courage, and hope.  Facebook was chosen as a platform to host the support group because it is one of the more popular social networking sites for young adults.  To view the group you must be a member of Facebook. Access the group on this link. 

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18510654096