Let’s Make Cancer Obsolete

No audio available for this content.

Recently, I was asked a question I had never considered: If I could live in any historical age, which would I choose and why?

After debating whether I could do without access to the Internet and all the instantaneous information it provides (I decided I cannot), I realized there’s no time like the present. But not just because of the incredible technological advances of the 21st century.

Recent medical advances have been amazing, too. For example, screening tests and powerful medications have helped save the lives of millions of cancer patients who, mere decades ago, would have succumbed to this dreaded disease.

Groundbreaking research likely would have helped save the life of my grandmother, who died of cancer 45 years ago. Early detection can help reduce the fatality rates of some cancers, including the type that runs in my family, so now my father undergoes regular, lifesaving screenings for the disease.

In 1975-1977, the five-year, relative survival rate for all cancers was 49 percent, reports the American Cancer Society (ACS). From 2004 to 2010, that figure jumped to 68 percent. Research on the causes of cancer, healthy lifestyle choices, early detection and medication appears to be paying off.

For the past two years, Pest Management Professional’s (PMP’s) parent company, North Coast Media (NCM), has donated a portion of the October print issue revenue from this magazine and the five other market-leading business-to-business media brands it owns to the ACS. That’s why PMP’s cover logo and social media icons are pink this month.

NCM President Kevin Stoltman launched the initiative because cancer affects so many people we know — family, friends, co-workers and business partners. And although October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, its donation will help the ACS find the causes and cures for all types of cancer.

Perhaps a better answer to my question would have been: The age when cancer was wiped out. With the achievements researches have been making, here’s hoping it’s sooner rather than later.

You can reach Diane Sofranec at dsofranec@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3793.