Director Meghan L. O'Hara honored at National Cancer Prevention Day on Capitol Hill by Less Cancer.

Director Meghan L. O’Hara

For the last few years my life has been consumed by cancer.  First I got it, then I beat it and then I made a movie about it – thecwordmovie.com, which will be released this year. I wanted to share what I had learned to make sure that others wouldn’t have to go through what I went through… So I’ve been talking about cancer for years, as I know you have too.

Now, finally cancer is in the forefront of our national conversation. The President’s task force is already up and running, and Vice President Biden is indeed manning the controls.  This is great news and a huge opportunity for all of us – as long as we talk about the whole picture. Science is our best friend in battling this disease – it tells us that up to 70% of cancer deaths can be prevented. So it turns out that we have a lot more control over whether or not the cancer cells that we all have inside us will turn into a full blown disease. This is great news, it means we can do something to avoid getting sick. This is the information that needs to be an integral part of this national conversation. We can still pursue the race for the cure, but we can infuse it with the common sense and hard science that proves that cancer is a lot easier to fight – if you never get it.

The C Word documentary reveals how diet, exercise, stress management and toxin avoidance can have a profound effect on whether or not we develop cancer. It also shows many of the systemic roadblocks that that propel us towards cancer and other chronic diseases. The hope is that awareness and knowledge lead to power and then ultimately change!

Cancer rates are expected to more than double in the next 20 years – which is a frightening thought. But we have the power to change those numbers. We believe that cancer is in our hands, and thanks to a visionary and motivated community, the movement is growing. LessCancer.org is as a national leader, the new Cancer Prevention caucus is paving the way and millions of Americans no longer want to be scared a disease over which they can actually have control. We are honored and grateful to be a part of this forward thinking group that is not afraid to challenge the status quo. We all understand what’s at risk if we don’t.

Onward,

Meghan L. O’Hara
Dir/Prod The C Word