Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Michigan with 55,000 residents diagnosed annually. Though it’s easy to feel powerless against a disease this big, we are not. Over the past few months, BCBSM’s #KickCancer campaign has aimed to engage Michiganders in fun ways to send a serious message: make your relationship with your doctor a priority. The goal is to empower Michigan residents to kick cancer by taking control of their own health. There is a need for Michiganders better understand the tests we need and when we need them. We need to take note of our body while we’re healthy and know how to identify red flags as they come. We need to keep our annual doctor’s appointment and maintain a schedule of regular testing. And we need to spread the word. This mission has been at the forefront of our #KickCancer campaign. With the help of our statewide community, we turned the Big House blue when the Wolverines played Notre Dame to raise awareness about prostate cancer. We helped turn Spartan Stadium pink for Michigan State's homecoming football game for breast cancer awareness. Survivors have shared theirstories and doctor’s their knowledge about prevention. We even health bombed Eastern Market to educate the public on how Michigan produce helps #KickCancer!
For the final month of our campaign, BCBSM is celebrating “Movember,” an international initiative that asks men to grow moustaches to “change the face of men’s health” and raise awareness for the dangers of health risks that go undetected and untreated. The Blues will be providing men’s health information and handouts and various sports games and events. Register your mo online and make sure to #ShoYoMo on A Healthier Michigan social channels. The fan voted “best moustache” will win the opportunity to attend a Detroit Lions practice and met Matthew Stafford. The Michigan Football Experience Sweepstakes will also be coming to a close. Register by November 18th to win an all expense paid trip for two to an upcoming Wolverines’ bowl game. Winner announcements will be made at Michigan’s November 30th home game verses Ohio State. For more information, listen to the following A Healthier Michigan radio show podcast. Andy Hetzel, vice president of corporate communications of BCBSM, discusses the #KickCancer in more detail. Dr. George Kipa, medical director at BCBSM, discusses the importance of scheduling regular checkups with your doctor. Dr. David Miller, associate professor of urology at the University of Michigan, talks about prostate cancer treatment options. Lastly, Tony Stovall, a prostate cancer survivor and 100 Black Men spokesperson, speaks about how he dealt with his diagnosis.
