Cancer survivors in the western world are increasing by the hundreds of thousands each year, roughly one in twenty adults

We all have been or know someone who has been affected by this disease.  Thanks to breakthroughs in technology cancer patients are experiencing a better quality of life. I am a cancer survivor. My husband is a cancer survivor. My sister is a cancer survivor. The statistics may be right.

In a report released recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 11.7 million Americans are living with a history of cancer.  Forty years ago there were about 3 million cancer survivors with that number increasing to 10 million in 2001. This statistic is attributed to a number of factors including earlier detection, better treatment, education and the fact that cancer is most common in those over 65 years of age and that population is living longer.  

And from another perspective, in the 1940’s only one in four cancer patients survived on an average.  In the 1960’s that number changed to one in three, and now the survival rate has gone up to 50% or one out of every two patients with cancer go on to survive this awful disease. 

In the fight against cancer scores of people worldwide are doing their part by raising millions of dollars in the form of walks, runs, rides and other fundraising efforts. I myself will be participating in a 200 km bike ride this summer, 200k in 2 days.  

And although the statistics are becoming more favorable, and incredible amounts of money are being raised daily, one question remains. Is the money going to the right place? Are enough resources being allocated to research and development of even better and earlier diagnostic tools? Should we be expecting cures, preventions, more effective treatments – dare I even suggest complete eradication of some forms of cancer? Is too much of the money going to administration? Government? Lobbies? Drug companies and their shareholders? 

I don’t know the answer, but I hope that the money I and the scores of others raise finds it way to the right place so we can continue to fight the good fight. To donate or to find out more information go to Ride to Conquer Cancer. 

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Leslie Kollar has over 20 years of experience in the health care field in both the U.S. and Canada. She has worked professionally in medical offices and hospital administration, using her BA in Communications/Public Relations and MBA in Marketing. She has also seen the other side of the health care coin as a 15 year cancer survivor. As a survivor she is passionate that each and every person is and should be responsible for their own health - and with this passion she hopes to inspire, inform and educate through HealthWorldNet. Leslie can be reached at LK Communications [email protected]