No one wants to hear the word "cancer" while sitting in a doctor’s office. Still, cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in our country, behind heart disease. According to the National Cancer Institute and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,638,910 new cancer cases were estimated to occur in 2012, resulting in 577,190 deaths. Understandably, a diagnosis of cancer is a frightening prospect for patients and their loved ones.
Fortunately, the statistics are improving. During the past decade, cancer death rates have declined by more than 1 percent per year in men and women of almost every race and ethnic group. Death rates continue to decline for lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancer. Improvement in lung cancer outcomes accounts for almost 40 percent of the total decline in men, and breast cancer accounts for 34 percent of the total decline in women. In many instances cancer is no longer the death sentence it once was.
The reduction in cancer deaths is in part attributable to cultural trends toward a healthier lifestyle, including a smoking rate that has shrunk by nearly half during the past 30 years. However, research on the causes of and treatments for cancer have yielded some remarkable results. For these advances to continue, so too must the research.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the nation’s largest nongovernmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.8 billion to date. Last year on Oahu alone, ACS provided more than 5,800 services to more than 2,000 cancer patients, while more than 52,000 people received cancer education through community programs. Assistance included ground transportation and gas cards to help families keep their doctors’ appointments. ACS provides wigs for women with hair loss from cancer treatment and classes to help patients cope with the side effects of treatments. All of this costs money.
On May 18, ACS will hold its Inaugural Hope Gala Honolulu. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to research, education, advocacy and patient services. On the lawn of the historic Hawai‘i State Art Museum, the gala will transport attendees back in time to the heyday of Paris in the early 20th century. There will be exquisite cuisine, musical performances and both live and silent auctions. For details go to hopegalahonolulu.org.
Incidentally, according to one international study, the people of Hawaii are more likely to survive a bout with cancer than those who reside on the mainland. Why? It’s not clear. Better access to health care, a cleaner environment and a healthier lifestyle must play a role. In any case, let’s count our blessings and, if we can, support those who need it most.
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Ira Zunin, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., is medical director of Manakai o Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center and CEO of Global Advisory Services Inc. Please submit your questions to info@manakaiomalama.com.
