May Is National Cancer Research Month
May Is National Cancer Research Month
In May We Mark The National Cancer Research Month
National Cancer Research Month is marked each May, and it recognizes the importance of cancer research and the contributions of researchers, physician-scientists, survivors, and patient advocates across the United States.
National Cancer Research Month is supported by Congress through special resolutions in the House and Senate.
The federal government, industry, and private donors, among other funding groups – are spending billions of dollars each year on cancer research. May is a time to highlight the important role of study and experimentation in the quest for cancer cures.
Cancer Is Still Second Leading Cause Of Death In The US
Despite the incredible advancements made in recent years, cancer still remains the second leading cause of death in the United States. Behind these statistics, there are millions of Americans who have known the distress of receiving a cancer diagnosis, and millions more who watch family members or friends courageously fight this disease and too often succumb to it. Cancer is brutal and cruel, and we at H&B understand the incalculable human toll that this disease inflicts on patients and their loved ones.
The Importance Of Cancer Research
Research is the ongoing process of subjecting hypotheses to rigorous testing aimed to better our understanding within a particular field of science. Clinical research is research that focuses on advancing the field of medicine to better provide for the medical needs of patients in the future.
As of today, cancer will directly affect one in three people at some point during their lives, and many others will be touched by it in other ways, such as through family members and friends. With significant advances being made every day, research is paving the way toward better outcomes and quality of life for everyone who is diagnosed with cancer, both now and in the future.
Cancer is unique in that it is not a single condition, but rather hundreds of distinct conditions with widely varying treatment guidelines. For instance, some treatments that work well for certain types of cancer are completely ineffective for others.
Given this, the scope of cancer research must be very broad. Additionally, to be meaningful, the results of this research must be made available to everyone who can potentially benefit from it. The research process is a monumental task that requires both substantial effort and a large financial commitment.
What Can You Do To Help Promote Cancer Research
Ask Congress To Prioritize Cancer Research
Predictable federal funding is crucial for researchers to plan and continue the cutting-edge projects that will lead to new, better treatments and cures for a variety of diseases, including the more than 200 diseases we collectively call cancer. National Cancer Research Month is an excellent time to advocate for medical research funding.
Take Action In Support Of Cancer Research
Cancer Research Can Save Lives
New developments in cancer research are helping patients live longer. The number of cancer survivors is expected to increase from about 11.7 million in 2007 to 18 million this year. Between 2007 and this year, the number of deaths is expected to go up 15.2% in men and 8.1% in women, although the rate of cancer deaths per 100,000 people in the United States is expected to keep going down. Cancer death rates to drop the most are:
Prostate cancer – 26.4%
Colorectal cancer – 23.4%
Lung cancer – 21.3%
Female breast cancer – 19.6%
Cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx – 16%
Cervical cancer – 12.5%
Melanoma – 7.4%
Our Nation has made extraordinary advances in the fight against cancer. Still, much work remains to be done. We owe it to every person who has lost their battle with this disease, every person living with this disease, and every person who may one day contract it, to continue working tirelessly to defeat it. During National Cancer Control Month, let us renew our efforts to save lives and spare suffering by accelerating our work to end cancer as we know it.