Longevity logo

Cancer Research Unites Us All

Regardless of nationality, culture, or creed, cancer is something that has a global impact. So too, does cancer research

By James Goydos, MDPublished 3 years ago 2 min read
Like
Photo from the National Cancer Institute

September 24 is World Cancer Research Day. Today we help shed light on one of the most important causes that impact human health around the globe, but it is important year-round. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death.

In 2018, there were 9.5 million deaths worldwide. By 2040, this number is expected to almost double. From growth in the aging population to other factors such as increases in air pollution and ozone depletion, several factors are involved in the global increase.

These are problems that affect everyone. Regardless of nationality, culture, or creed, cancer is something that has a global impact. So too, does cancer research.

The race to cure cancer is a marathon relay

There are over 100 different types of cancer today, each with its own distinctive features. From variations in detection to differences in treatment methodologies, each type requires complex research to better understand and treat.

Advances in genomics and increased availability to sequence individual genomes have improved understanding of cancer. This has led to breakthroughs in cancer treatment, such as precision medicine, as well as other innovations in medicine.

However, the race to cure cancer is more like a marathon relay than a sprint. Researchers are constantly passing the baton to their fellow colleagues, working together to meet the goal to transform cancer treatment.

Cancer Research Needs Global Action

Curing cancer or transforming it into a chronic illness instead of a potentially terminal one, requires the collective effort of diverse researchers around the world. Several organizations have made it their mission to do just that. They have some of the brightest minds in the world helping to tackle this critical issue that only stands to have a greater impact on the human population over time.

Organizations such as the American Association for Cancer Research and their philanthropic arm have made it their mission to “prevent and cure all forms of cancer through research, education, communication, collaboration, science policy, advocacy, and grant-giving for cancer research.”

The Cancer Research Institute is another non-profit organization that provides funding to help advance cancer research. Today, they are working to fund research in immunotherapy and other innovations in cancer research.

Other organizations such as The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institute of Health, is the United States leader in cancer research. They help to “lead, conduct, and support cancer research” across the nation.

International organizations such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer are part of the World Health Organization, where they conduct and lead research to identify the causes of cancer, monitor cancer occurrence worldwide, and help to develop strategies for cancer treatment.

An essential factor in fighting cancer is the furthering of cancer research. A unified global effort is needed to help advance early detection, improve prognosis, and engender treatment innovations. We can all do our part to help advance research by supporting these organizations. Spread the word and donate if you can. Even something as simple as a share on social media can make a world of difference.

More articles like this from Dr. James Goydos:

This article was previously published on Being Well.

About James Goydos, M.D.

Dr. James Goydos is an expert in melanoma research and specialist in surgical oncology with an M.D. from Rutgers University. With over 20 years of experience as a Professor, Surgeon, and Clinical Trial Lead, he is a leading expert in his field.

Subscribe to James Goydos’ newsletter. Follow me on Newsbreak, Good Men Project, Loop, Medium, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Medika Life, Doximity, Github, Kaggle, Vocal, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter!

health
Like

About the Creator

James Goydos, MD

James Goydos MD - Doctor, surgeon & expert on skin cancer. M.D. from Rutgers. Experience as a Professor of Surgery, Surgical Oncologist, & clinical trial leader. Writing on cancer, detction with camera / computer vision and healthcare.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.