Speech
According to research, lung cancer is the major cause of death amongst American men and women. Data trends suggest that lung cancer alone causes majority of deaths than the other four kinds of cancer combined, namely, colon, breast, pancreas and prostate cancer. Lung cancer is responsible for 25% of all the death occurred. Even though this deadly cancer is a major concern, it is the least funded. Merely $1,200 are received per death for research, in comparison, breast cancer receives $27,000 per death. Despite such shocking figures, it remains the least funded and ignored field.
Unfortunately people diagnosed with this condition usually perish within the first few years of detection. Merely 16% have a chance for 5-year survival. Such devastating figures call for urgent research on this subject. Apart from research, awareness regarding lung cancer is also very important. Most people have the wrong notion that only who smoke are prone to this cancer, but do not realize that even non-smokers or who have left smoking are as much prone; therefore awareness is also very important.
Studies regarding the cancer show a slight decrease in lung cancer amongst men, but continue to grow in women. Such rising trends are a dangerous sign which needs to dealt with soon. In case of ethnicity, data suggests African American to be at a higher risk of lung cancer and subsequent mortality.
It is important to understand the reason for lack of initiative from the federal government regarding lung cancer research. Poor survival rate is one of the most important reasons for the lack of funds for its research. Most patients die within the few years of detection and very less actually survive 5 years. This significantly decreases the importance attached to the research of this cancer. Another major cause is the fact that lung cancer tumor is a very stubborn kind which is impossible to treat due to which little interest is taken in its research work.
In order to combat the situation, the most important step is to detect the tumor at an early stage. Lung cancer tumor is usually detected at a later stage when it has entirely spread; this makes it difficult to treat the tumor. Hence early detection is imperative. Another important step towards cancer detection is use of latest machinery that will help detect the tumor at an earlier stage. Many private companies are looking to invest in the research of new and improved diagnostic tools. Recently many tools have been developed such as better sputum tests and spiral computerized tomography. Improvised screening tests can be extremely useful in detecting the tumor at its benign stage as it requires almost five to ten years to develop into a full grown tumor. If detected at an early stage, its cure can be possible, but those at an advanced stage have merely 5% chances of survival. Thanks to genetics, many new treatments are being formulated to cure this cancer.
As the diagnosis and its consequent treatment are extremely difficult, the focus is on public awareness. As 85% of patients are either regular smokers or had been smokers, the awareness campaign is mainly targeted at anti-smoking. However, the campaign is not yielding results especially as more women are resorting to smoking. Third world countries are experiencing a rocketing sale in tobacco due t the aggressive marketing strategies by corporation. This issue needs to be addressed immediately. Long term achievement is possible only through cut down in tobacco and cigarette use. The young generation has to be informed about the consequences of smoking and tobacco chewing. Lung cancer needs to be bought into the limelight of the federal government and urgent steps involving it research funding and awareness campaign must be taken.
Works Cited:
1. Jennifer Stawarz. “Lung Cancer: Large Impact, Little Funding.” Web. Accessed 2 March 2010. http://www.chestnet.org/accp/article/lung-cancer-large-impact-little-funding
2. Onkar Khullar and Yolonda L. Colson. “The underfunding of lung cancer research”. Web. Accessed 27 May 2010. http://www.brighamandwomens.org/Departments_and_Services/womenshealth/connorscenter/images/Screening%20Editorial.pdf
