National Cancer Support Foundation

05/26/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. As we gather with family and friends, we pause to reflect on their courage, selflessness, and dedication to protecting the freedoms we hold dear. 🇺🇸

At the National Cancer Support Foundation, we also recognize the strength of those fighting battles every day — including cancer warriors, survivors, caregivers, and families. Today, we remember that service comes in many forms, and resilience lives in every heart that continues to fight with hope.

May we never forget the heroes who gave everything, and may we continue to support and uplift one another with compassion and purpose.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. ❤️🤍💙

05/26/2026

MAY is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Bladder cancer is a common disease that primarily begins in the urothelial cells lining the inside of the bladder. It is highly treatable when caught early, but has a high rate of recurrence, making continuous follow-up care essential.

Key Symptoms: Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may turn it orange, pink, or dark red. Other urinary changes include: Frequent or urgent need to urinate. Pain or burning during urination. Lower back pain.

Common Causes & Risk Factors Smoking: This is the single biggest risk factor; to***co chemicals are concentrated in the urine, damaging the bladder lining. Chemical Exposure: Certain workplace chemicals, particularly dyes, rubber, and leather processing materials, are linked to higher risks. Age & Gender: It is most common in older adults and affects men about three times more often than women.

Diagnosis & Staging To evaluate for bladder cancer, a urologist will typically perform a cystoscopy (inserting a thin, lighted tube with a camera into the bladder). Other diagnostic methods include: Urine cytology Imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans A biopsy taken during a cystoscopy. Treatment Options Treatment depends heavily on the stage, grade, and extent of the cancer: Surgery: For early-stage tumors, a procedure called TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor) is used to remove cancer from the lining. In advanced, invasive cases, the entire bladder may need to be removed (cystectomy). Immunotherapy & Chemotherapy: Often given directly into the bladder (intravesical therapy) to boost the immune system and destroy cancer cells. Systemic Chemotherapy or Radiation: Used for invasive cancers that have spread beyond the bladder wall.

Thank you.
The National Cancer Support Foundation Team
www.nationalcsf.org
A 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation

For informational purposes only. If you have any symptoms, please contact your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.

05/26/2026

MAY is Brain Tumor Awareness Month (often referred to as "Gray May")

Over 1 million Americans currently live with primary brain and central nervous system tumors.

Why May Matters: Pediatric Impact- Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor and the second most common type of cancer in children and teens, and they are the leading cause of cancer deaths in adolescents.

Adult Statistics: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and common malignant brain tumor in adults, with an average survival rate of about 15 months.

Brain cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord. It can be primary (originating in the brain) or metastatic (spreading from elsewhere in the body).

Symptoms often include persistent headaches, seizures, and unexplained nausea. MAY Symptoms & Warning Signs: Brain tumors can disrupt normal neurological function, resulting in the following signs: Headaches: New, worsening, or persistent headaches that are often worse in the morning or accompanied by vomiting.

Neurological Changes: Sudden or gradual changes in vision, hearing, balance, or speech.
Cognitive/Mood Issues: New problems with memory, focus, or changes in behavior or personality.
Seizures: Unexplained seizures or convulsions are a common symptom. Weakness: Feeling weak or unusually sleepy. Diagnosis Accurate diagnosis is critical to determine the exact type, grade, and location of a tumor.

Typical diagnostic tools include: Imaging Scans: MRI and CT scans are the primary methods for detecting and locating brain tumors. Neurological Exam: Testing vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and reflexes. Biopsy: Extracting a tissue sample for analysis to determine if it is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Common Classifications Brain tumors are generally divided into two main categories and graded based on severity: Benign: Noncancerous, slow-growing, and have distinct borders. However, they can still be dangerous depending on their location in the brain.

Malignant: Cancerous and aggressive. They grow rapidly and often invade surrounding healthy tissue. Grading: Tumors are graded from 1 to 4 by the WHO, with Grade 1 being the least aggressive and Grade 4 (e.g., Glioblastoma) being the most aggressive.

Treatment Options Treatment plans are highly individualized and often combine multiple approaches: Surgery: Often the first step to remove as much of the tumor as possible safely. Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy: Medications used to destroy cancer cells, sometimes administered via surgically implanted wafers. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Treatments designed to specifically attack cancer cells or boost the body’s natural defenses against them.

Thank you.
The National Cancer Support Foundation Team
www.nationalcsf.org
A 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation

For informational purposes only. If you have any symptoms, please contact your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.

05/02/2026

MAY IS SKIN CANCER & MELANOMA AWARENESS MONTH

Take a moment to protect your skin and your health:
✔️ Wear sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or higher)
✔️ Seek shade during peak sun hours
✔️ Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
✔️ Avoid tanning beds
✔️ Perform regular skin self-checks

Early detection saves lives. If you notice any changes in your skin, new moles, growths, or spots that look different—don’t wait. Schedule a check with a healthcare professional.

Thank you.

The National Cancer Support Foundation Team
www.nationalcsf.org
A 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation

For informational purposes only. If you have any symptoms, please contact your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.

03/10/2026

MARCH is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Early Signs & Symptoms: Often asymptomatic in early stages, but symptoms include diarrhea/constipation, blood in stool, persistent abdominal cramping, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
Risk Factors: Age (especially over 50), family history, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and chronic bowel diseases like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.

Prevention & Screening: Regular screenings (colonoscopy) can detect and remove precancerous polyps. Lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and limiting red/processed meats, can reduce risk.

Stages: The cancer progresses through stages, with 5-year survival rates ranging from ~91% for early (Stage I/II) to 13% for advanced (Stage IV).

Treatment: Primary treatment is surgery, often combined with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.

When to See a Doctor:
Symptoms lasting longer than two weeks, particularly blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or persistent changes in bowel habits, warrant a medical consultation.

Thank you.

The National Cancer Support Foundation Team
www.nationalcsf.org
A 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation

For informational purposes only. If you have any symptoms, please contact your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.

02/02/2026

February is National Gallbladder / Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month!

Gallbladder cancer is a rare, aggressive malignancy of the bile-producing organ often diagnosed in late stages, resulting in a poor prognosis. Frequently, it causes no early symptoms, or mimics gallstones with upper-right abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, and fever. It predominantly affects women and older adults (60+). Treatment typically involves surgery, often with chemotherapy or radiation, particularly if found early, although it frequently recurs.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer:
Symptoms are often vague or absent in early stages, making early detection difficult. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
Abdominal Pain: Pain in the upper right side of the belly.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin, eyes, or gums.
Nausea/Vomiting: Feeling sick or throwing up.
Other: Fever, loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, and a lump in the abdomen.

Stages of Gallbladder Cancer:
Staging determines how far the cancer has spread from the inner layer of the gallbladder wall.
Stage 0-II: Early stages where cancer is confined to the gallbladder.
Stage III-IV: Advanced stages where cancer has spread to nearby organs (like the liver), lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body.
Prognosis for Gallbladder Cancer
The prognosis is often poor, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 19% in the U.S.. The outlook depends on the stage, with early-stage cases (if found incidentally during surgery for other reasons) having a better prognosis than those diagnosed at advanced stages.

Risk Factors for Gallbladder Cancer:
Conditions that cause long-term inflammation of the gallbladder increase risk.
Gallstones: A primary risk factor, often causing chronic irritation.
Gallbladder Polyps: Tissue growths on the gallbladder wall.
Chronic Infections: Infections like Salmonella or Helicobacter pylori.
Age and Gender: More common in people over 60 and in women.
Other: Obesity, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and porcelain gallbladder.

How Gallbladder Cancer is Diagnosed:
Because it is rare and lacks early symptoms, it is often found during tests for other, benign issues like gallstones. Diagnostic tools include:

Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI/MRCP to visualize the gallbladder and surroundings.
Blood Tests: To check for jaundice and liver function.
Biopsy: Taking a tissue sample, often done during surgery.

Treatment options include:
Surgery: A radical cholecystectomy, which involves removing the gallbladder and nearby lymph nodes, is the primary treatment for early-stage cases.

Chemotherapy and Radiation: Used for advanced, unresectable, or metastatic cases.

Bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare cancer where malignant cells form in the bile ducts connecting the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine, often presenting with jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine, and weight loss, and is diagnosed via imaging and history; treatment typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, with risk factors including chronic liver disease, bile duct problems from birth, liver parasites, and smoking.

Symptoms:
Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
Itchy skin
Abdominal pain (often right upper side)
Dark urine
Pale, greasy, or floating stools
Fever
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Risk Factors & Causes
Chronic liver diseases: Like primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
Bile duct conditions: Cysts present from birth (choledochal cysts).
Parasites: Liver fluke infections common in Southeast Asia.
Lifestyle: Smoking, diabetes.
Genetics: Acquired gene mutations (e.g., TP53, KRAS).

Diagnosis & Treatment:
Diagnosis: Imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound), blood tests, physical exam.
Treatment: Often a combination of surgery (to remove tumor), radiation, and chemotherapy. Stents are used to keep blocked ducts open.

Thank you.

The National Cancer Support Foundation Team
www.nationalcsf.org
A 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation

For informational purposes only. If you have any symptoms, please contact your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.

01/05/2026

JANUARY IS CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, almost always caused by a persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), leading to abnormal cell growth and tumors that can spread. Early symptoms are often absent, but signs of advanced cancer can include abnormal bleeding (between periods, after s*x, or after menopause), unusual discharge, and pelvic pain, with treatments ranging from surgery to chemotherapy, depending on the stage. Regular screening with Pap tests and HPV tests, along with HPV vaccination, are crucial for prevention and early detection.

Causes & Risk Factors:
HPV Infection: The primary cause, with certain high-risk HPV types transmitted through s*xual contact.
Weakened Immune System: HIV or immune-suppressing medications increase risk.
Smoking: Both active smoking and secondhand smoke exposure.
Sexual History: Early s*xual activity or multiple partners.

Types:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Most common (80-90%), developing on the cervix surface.
Adenocarcinoma: Develops in gland cells.

Symptoms: (Often Appear Late)
Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after s*x, after menopause).
Unusual vaginal discharge.
Pain during in*******se.
Pelvic or lower back pain.

Prevention & Screening:
HPV Vaccine: Protects against cancer-causing HPV types.
Pap Test: Detects abnormal cervical cells.
HPV Test: Checks for high-risk HPV types.

Treatment:
Early Stages: May involve procedures like conization (removing a cone of tissue) or hysterectomy (removing the uterus).
Advanced Stages: Often treated with radiation and chemotherapy.
Stage: Treatment decisions are guided by the cancer's stage (how large the tumor is and if it has spread).

Thank you.

The National Cancer Support Foundation Team
www.nationalcsf.org
A 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation

For informational purposes only. If you have any symptoms, please contact your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.

12/29/2025

💛 Before the year ends, you can make a lasting difference. 💛

As we close out this year, children fighting cancer and their families are still facing overwhelming challenges. Emotional, physical, and financial.

Your end-of-year donation helps us provide:
✨ Cancer care packages for children
✨ Assistance with food, gas, and utilities
✨ Comfort, support, and hope when families need it most

Every gift, no matter the size, helps lighten the burden for a family facing childhood cancer.

👉 Please consider donating before the year ends and help us start the new year with hope.
💛 Donate here: www.nationalcsf.org

Thank you for standing with children and families when it matters most.
The National Cancer Support Foundation Team
www.nationalcsf.org
A 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation

Please help us achieve our goals! DONATIONS SAVE LIVES A 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation

12/23/2025

💛 Happy Holidays from all of us! 💛

As the year comes to a close, we want to pause and say thank you. Because of your generosity, children fighting cancer and their families received comfort, support, and hope during some of their hardest moments.

Your kindness helped provide care packages, essentials, and relief when it mattered most. We are deeply grateful for your trust and compassion.

Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with peace, joy, and good health. Thank you for being part of our mission and our community.

With heartfelt gratitude,
The National Cancer Support Foundation Team

Please help us achieve our goals! DONATIONS SAVE LIVES A 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation

12/17/2025

While many families are celebrating the holidays together, some parents are spending this season in hospital rooms, holding the hands of children fighting cancer.

This holiday season, you can make a difference.

Your donation helps provide:
🎁 Comfort-filled care packages for children
⛽ Gas cards for hospital visits
🥫 Food support for families in treatment
💡 Help with utilities during an already difficult time

A small gift can bring hope, comfort, and relief when it’s needed most.

💛 Donate today and help us support children with cancer and their families this holiday season.



www.nationalcsf.org