Are we winning the War on Cancer?
As a cancer survivor, I'm surprised at the number of times people ask, "Are we winning the war on Cancer?"
Advances made in cancer research and treatments are making a difference, but I still think there's a long way to go. It's not a yes or no question and unfortunately most people immediately assume failure when the answer isn't a definitive "YES." I know we're making great strides in the war on cancer - I'm living proof.
In a recent report by US News & World Report, it seems the "war on cancer" gets mixed reviews. Dr. Samuel Broder wrote an excellent article outlining the progress and pitfalls in: "Health Advice: Why is our Progress against Cancer so slow?" The mortality rates across the board have decreased since the mid-90's, with one exception: rates from women's lung cancers have remained stable. Based on numbers alone, one could surmise we are "winning the war," however progress is still viewed with a sense of pessimism and defeatism.
I learned a very important lesson from this piece:
Perhaps we should reframe the way we view the "war on cancer."
Like Dr. Broder suggests, the discourse is inflammatory and simplistic; it leads us to believe it's a win or lose situation. It's much more complicated than that. Progress is incremental at best, and we are, indeed, making progress. However, the cycle of research, clinical trials, and implementation is much longer in actuality. It take years to find drugs that help address one small part of the cancer crisis. The "war on cancer" is essentially a series of baby steps. Research, trial, treat.... rinse and repeat. Victory is still not in our sights, but we're getting closer.
Years ago, I stopped referring to the search for more cancer treatments as the "War on Cancer." I know from experience there's still much to do. As a cancer activist, I'm hoping the research community uncovers more treatments in the years ahead. Until then, it's up to us to do as much as we can to encourage and support those dealing with the everyday realities of a cancer diagnosis.
The article suggests a few ways we can all help make advances in the cancer community:
- Help expand research initiatives
- Encourage more private businesses to engage in this community
- Encourage cross-discpline research
- individualize and maximize treatments options
- Apply today's knowledge and experiences NOW
and finally:
- Build a better community: focus on community service and outreach
As cancer activists, we can all work to build a better community and expand our reach to all populations dealing with cancer. Let's work on this together!
Do you find that members of your community refer to the "War on Cancer"?
How do you feel about advances in cancer research and treatments? Are we making a difference?
What's the best way to reframe this conversation?
How can you reach out to more people in the cancer community to help reinforce the progress?
Let me know what you think!
Advances made in cancer research and treatments are making a difference, but I still think there's a long way to go. It's not a yes or no question and unfortunately most people immediately assume failure when the answer isn't a definitive "YES." I know we're making great strides in the war on cancer - I'm living proof.
In a recent report by US News & World Report, it seems the "war on cancer" gets mixed reviews. Dr. Samuel Broder wrote an excellent article outlining the progress and pitfalls in: "Health Advice: Why is our Progress against Cancer so slow?" The mortality rates across the board have decreased since the mid-90's, with one exception: rates from women's lung cancers have remained stable. Based on numbers alone, one could surmise we are "winning the war," however progress is still viewed with a sense of pessimism and defeatism.
I learned a very important lesson from this piece:
Perhaps we should reframe the way we view the "war on cancer."
Like Dr. Broder suggests, the discourse is inflammatory and simplistic; it leads us to believe it's a win or lose situation. It's much more complicated than that. Progress is incremental at best, and we are, indeed, making progress. However, the cycle of research, clinical trials, and implementation is much longer in actuality. It take years to find drugs that help address one small part of the cancer crisis. The "war on cancer" is essentially a series of baby steps. Research, trial, treat.... rinse and repeat. Victory is still not in our sights, but we're getting closer.
Years ago, I stopped referring to the search for more cancer treatments as the "War on Cancer." I know from experience there's still much to do. As a cancer activist, I'm hoping the research community uncovers more treatments in the years ahead. Until then, it's up to us to do as much as we can to encourage and support those dealing with the everyday realities of a cancer diagnosis.
The article suggests a few ways we can all help make advances in the cancer community:
- Help expand research initiatives
- Encourage more private businesses to engage in this community
- Encourage cross-discpline research
- individualize and maximize treatments options
- Apply today's knowledge and experiences NOW
and finally:
- Build a better community: focus on community service and outreach
As cancer activists, we can all work to build a better community and expand our reach to all populations dealing with cancer. Let's work on this together!
Do you find that members of your community refer to the "War on Cancer"?
How do you feel about advances in cancer research and treatments? Are we making a difference?
What's the best way to reframe this conversation?
How can you reach out to more people in the cancer community to help reinforce the progress?
Let me know what you think!
Tags: activist, cancer, cancer survivors, community, war on cancer, wego health
Comment
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Comment by uvmer on November 16, 2009 at 11:08am -
There are some cancers that are able to progress unchecked almost, due to lack of awareness and funding for research. Brain cancer and the most highly aggressive form of cancer, Glioblastoma Multiforme is high on that list. Glioblastoma strikes people with little or no warning. There is no self-exam, no better diet to eat, and no real screenings for this, unless with your annual mammogram and colonoscopy, you want to have a brain MRI. Once someone experiences symptoms, it is basically too late. The survival rate of this type of cancer is about 3%. Not many people are very familiar with brain cancer, but it is the disease that took the life of Senator Edward Kennedy. In the United States, however, there are approximately 176,000 new cases of brain tumors diagnosed each year. That averages out to be about 482 each day, and what is even more frightening is that the incidence of brain tumors is on the rise. Also not on the radar screen is that brain tumors kill more children under the age of 20 than any other type of cancer. Brain tumors are also the second highest cause of cancer deaths in adult males and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in females, between the ages of 20-39. Brain cancer does not discriminate against age, gender, ethnicity, or overall fitness or state of health. Symptoms can be varied and sporadic, so potential diagnoses are often exhausted before a brain tumor is actually targeted.
In recent years, breast cancer and colon cancer have vaulted into the public awareness and great strides have been made in their treatment, giving tremendous hope to people who suffer from those diagnoses. Screening is available, many times without cost. Treatments for brain cancer, however, have seen little progress in the last 25 years, largely due to the gross under funding of research. This is such a devastating disease, because of the real estate it occupies. Removing the tumor, lots of times means loss or diminished vision, speech, sensation, movement, or cognition. Dealing with that along with the miseries of chemo/radiation therapy is almost indescribable. The incidence of brain cancer is not as high as some of the others....but if it is the one that strikes you or the one you love, it becomes the only cancer. It is a cancer that needs more focus, for it strikes all ages. It would be unconscionable to let another 25 years and generation of people slip by because we turned our heads.
© 2009 Created by Marie
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