Cancer: The Billion Dollar Industry That Affects Everyone
Has cancer touched the life of someone you know? Unfortunately, more than half of Americans would answer yes. An estimated 1.9 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year alone, with over 600,000 individuals expected to lose their life while battling cancer.
How can I help?
There are a significant number of cancer research associations, nonprofits, and institutes actively working to find a solution through research, advocacy, educational workshops, and fundraisers. This month especially; National Cancer Research Month.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) initiated National Cancer Research Month to take place each May with a purpose to “highlight the importance of lifesaving research to the millions of people around the world affected by the collection of devastating diseases we call cancer.”
“This year, many of the AACR’s more than 48,000 members are contributing their scientific, research, and clinical expertise to the worldwide effort to address the COVID-19 pandemic and to caring for those suffering from the novel coronavirus. Even as we honor all those who are working tirelessly against COVID-19, the AACR continues to support the ongoing research needed to drive further progress against cancer.” – AACR.
Is there a way for individuals to prevent themselves from developing cancerous cells?
According to the American Cancer Society, at least 42% of newly diagnosed cancers in the United States are potentially avoidable; cancers caused by smoking, excess of body weight, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and excessive sun exposure. By educating yourself and those around you of cancer prevention tips, you can help save lives. Read the latest from Health.com on 7 Cancer prevention tips to reduce your risk.
With all this technology, shouldn’t cancer cases be on a decline?
Since 1946, the American Cancer Society alone has invested more than $5 billion in research grants to researchers and scientists around the nation. According to the American Cancer Society, as of 2018, the rate had dropped to 149 per 100,000 (a decline of 31%).
With improvements in early detection equipment and treatment options for various cancers, more individuals can live confidently knowing they are cancer free or working toward cancer free with innovative treatment options and knowledgeable physicians and specialists.
Though there have been many remarkable milestones in the progress of cancer research and the impact the research has on the survivors, patients, and affected families it’s important to recognize some of the magnificent strides made over the past several years.
- 1971: The National Cancer Act
- 1984: HER2 Gene Discovered
- 1986 – 1995: HER2 Gene Cloning, BRCA1 Tumor Suppressor Gene Cloning, BRCA2 Tumor Suppressor Gene Cloning
- 2006: Gardasil FDA Approval
- 2009: Cervarix FDA Approval
- 2010: The First Human Cancer Treatment Vaccine
- 2014: Analyzing DNA in Cancer
- 2016: Cancer Moonshot
*Dates and accomplishments according to National Cancer Institute
Read what experts forecast for cancer research and treatment advances in 2021.
There is still progress to be made in the fight against cancer, but together, we can help the millions of cancer patients and survivors find tranquility.
Show your support this month of pioneering cancer research that is saving lives every day using #NCRM21 #ResearchSavesLives.
References and Resources:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816
https://www.cancer.gov/research/progress/250-years-milestones
https://www.cancer.org/research/how-american-cancer-society-research-funding-works.html