Cancer is an expensive condition.
In terms of the toll it takes on livelihoods, on potential and on lost lives, as it states in the article, “Report: Cancer is the World’s Costliest Disease” (Aug. 17), indeed, cancer takes a toll that is impossible to fully measure.
While calls for increased funding for research and for better treatment options are necessary and vital, there is still more that we can do.
Prevention also is essential and is not advocated enough. If we would make certain lifestyle changes — such as eliminating smoking, exercising regularly, eating nutritiously — many studies show that up to two-thirds of cancers could be avoided. Prevention can be a significant money saver.
It is time that we recognize and promote prevention’s tremendous potential to save not only vast amounts of money, but also our lives.
Foundation for Cancer Research & Wellness