Many people today know someone who has been aflicted by and possibly died from cancer. I have lost 3 grandparents to the disease personally. I also know people who have family members aflicted by cancer. the ACS estimates that in 2008 over 500,000 americans died from cancer.
Cancer is a serious illness that is lifethreatening at the least and fatal at the worst. Early cancer diagnosis is key to treating and beating the disease. Unfortunately treatment is not always effective. Cancer sometimes does not respond to treatment or returns afterwards. Being diagnosed with cancer is scary. It makes all people involved aware of their own mortality. Letting go of a loved one is never easy and death by cancer can be slow and painful. I would personally use my resources to promote the education and treatment of cancer, especially among children.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is an American organization that seeks to cure cancer. This society serves also as a beacon of hope for persons and families touched by the disease. They do cancer research, and provide information. Many credit the ACS with giving them hope and helping them through their fight with cancer. The ACS raises money for research and awareness through an event called Relay for Life. This event is meant to celebrate survivors and remembered loved ones lost. You can visit http://www.cancer.org/ to get more information and learn how to help in the fight against cancer.
ACS provides the following information about cancer on their website:
"Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolledgrowth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread
is not controlled, it can result in death. Cancer is caused
by both external factors (tobacco, chemicals, radiation,
and infectious organisms) and internal factors (inherited
mutations, hormones, immune conditions, and mutations
that occur from metabolism). These causal factors
may act together or in sequence to initiate or promote
carcinogenesis. Ten or more years often pass between
exposure to external factors and detectable cancer. Cancer
is treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone
therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy."
I agree. I have seen cancer tear apart many families including one of my good friends who had just lost his dad a few weeks ago to cancer. Its really a sad thing when you see people lose their parents, and spouses losing eachother due to an illness that many times is not self inflicted and they do nothing to cause it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that cancer has tragically ended so many lives. My granfather was diagnosed with skin cancer in the 90's, but luckily it was found and removed early without complications. I'm deeply sorry for your losses. It would be great to see a inovative treatment or cure that would help keep this nightmare from becoming a reality to more families.
ReplyDeleteCancer is probably the terrifying diseases today. Without the proper treatment it can consume entire families and tear them apart. I have also lost family members to the disease, and am deeply sorry for your loss. Hopefully with enough time and effort we can find a cure for this horrible disease.
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