Let’s Make Cancer Obsolete

By

October 7, 2015

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.

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  1. Diane,

    Thank you for this article. First I am sorry about your Grandmother but I agree wholeheartedly about the importance of early detection. It was 10 years ago that my wife Gigi was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine Mammogram, we were Married just 3 short months earlier and our world was turned upside down. Fortunately she is cancer free now and this early detection probably saved her life. Every year at this time we do things to bring awareness to the cause and especially the importance of getting an annual Mammogram.

    All my service vehicles have breast-cancer awareness license plates (a portion of the proceeds goes to ACS here in Florida). We have donated and supported many “Walk” teams and have had t shirts made and donated 100% of the proceeds to cancer research.

    It warms my heart to know that Northcoast Media makes this donation every year. I don’t think we can do too much until this dreaded disease is wiped out. It touches every American one way or another.

    Sincerely,

    Kevin L. Citarella
    President
    Citarella Termite & Pest Management.

    1. Diane Sofranec says:

      Thank you for writing, Kevin. I appreciate your kind words. I’m so glad your wife’s cancer was found in time to save her life; the technology that makes this possible is truly amazing. It’s wonderful that you choose to help others by supporting cancer research, raising awareness, and donating funds. Families like ours will do all they can to ensure no one else hears their doctor give a cancer diagnosis. Wishing you and your wife a lifetime of health and happiness.–DS