In the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death each year. Kentucky faces the highest cancer occurrences and death rates in the United States. Fortunately, through prevention and treatments, we can reduce those numbers.

In order to equip people living in Kentucky to better understand and manage cancer, the Crittenden County Extension office hosted the Kick Kentucky Cancer Program, led by the Crittenden County FCS agent.  This program offered a series of 5 lesson on topic of interest to cancer patients, cancer care takers and the general public. The series topics were offer each month from January though May.  The lesson topics were: Understanding the Basics of Cancer, managing nutrition during cancer, taking care of yourself during cancer, caring for someone with cancer and interacting with someone with cancer.  The lessons were offered by zoom twice a month, one in the morning one in the evening to better accommodate schedules. Some sessions had 3 participant, some only one.

Participants indicated they had a better understanding of the different causes of cancer, stated they better understand how certain lifestyle choices can prevent or improve the chances of beating cancer. They also indicated feeling more comfortable using common cancer terminology. They also know how important it is to learn about the disease, specific diagnosis, side effects, and what will happen during the course of the disease.  100 % reported learning useful questions to ask health-care professionals and cancer caregiving teams.  Adequate nutrition during cancer treatments can be a challenge. All participants indicated they better understood how each food group contributes to a balanced diet during cancer treatment, 100 % stated they better understood how to manage symptoms associated with eating and nutrition during treatment.

 Participants thanked the agent for offering the program and indicated they learned a lot, but wished it could have been an in person class, so they could interact with those going through the same thing as them.