Here at AICR, we espouse a simple, evidence-based and empowering message: Every one of us can take steps to lower our cancer risk.
We enumerate those steps, and the research behind them, in an ever-growing variety of ways, for diverse audiences. Our brochures, health aids and website show people how to put the science of prevention to work in their daily lives.
Some of those people are looking for tips on becoming more active. Some want to try recipes we’ve developed that meet our cancer prevention guidelines. Others wish to dig more deeply into the decades of research behind our advice. Donors want to know how they can help support life-saving research. Scientists want to know about the grants we’ve funded, and which topics will be featured at our research conference.
AICR’s underlying message to all of these different audiences is exactly the same, but we speak in slightly different voices, tailored to their varying needs. The era of one-size-fits-all education, of expecting a single brochure to speak to everyone, is over.
And we can always use help. Help adapting our vital message to specific audiences, help getting into the hands, and the hearts, of the people who stand to benefit from it the most.
That’s why we’re so delighted whenever we see others taking up our banner, and advocating our cause.
- Health professionals use our health aids, brochures and fact sheets with their clients and patients, tailoring diets and exercise plans to individual needs.
- Volunteers raise money for AICR’s research — and cancer awareness in general — at marathons, bicycle races, health fairs and golf events.
- Workplaces host Pink on Purpose events to educate employees about lowering breast cancer risk.
- Experts in health communications for Spanish-speaking audiences take our materials and go far beyond simply translation; they develop new, culturally competent recipes, tips and approaches to reach this wider audience.
- Professors use our Expert Report and Continuous Update Project reports as classroom texts to instruct future researchers and clinicians about the science of prevention.
- We partner with experts in family health to create materials for kids and parents about the healthy habits that offer protection throughout life.
- Recently, several students have taken it upon themselves to make an e-book that adapts AICR’s message with a style and approach that speaks directly to their young, social-media-savvy peers.
- Health officials take up our recommendations and incorporate them into national and international policy.
- Everyone who likes and shares a post on the AICR Facebook page or retweets us is helping to push the prevention message out into the world.
All of us at AICR salute those of you who are helping increase awareness of AICR’s message and mission, and sharing the hard-won knowledge that we are not powerless before cancer.
