Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart disease, accounting for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths. In the U.S., more than 1 million people are projected to receive a cancer diagnosis in 2014, according to American Cancer Society estimates.

In 2013, more than 1.6 million Americans were faced with a cancer diagnosis. For that same year in Illinois, nearly 70,000 new cancer cases were reported.

The American Cancer Society reports that more than 50% of all cancer deaths are preventable by leading a healthier lifestyle; that is, avoiding cigarette smoking and heavy use of alcohol; eating healthy, staying active, and getting recommended screenings.

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society.