Get Hyped- Relay for Life is Almost Here

T-minus three days until this year’s Relay for Life! I’m thinking it’s a good time to get everyone excited by letting them know what a good cause they are supporting.

Most recent data suggests that the overall average survival rate of cancer is 63%, which is 8% higher than it was twenty years before. Be encouraged because the survival rate of prostate cancer is 93% and breast cancer is 88%, however there is still much work to be done in areas such as lung and stomach cancer. (1)

(2) Progress Overtime:

Note: These are just some of the major points, read the full article for more information.

- In 1863, the excess number of white blood cells is connected with cancer.

- 1882, the first mastectomy (removal of breast tissue).

- 1895, the first X-Ray

- 1903, the first radiation treatment which was a success in both patients.

- 1928, the beginning of the PAP test for detecting cervical cancer.

- 1937, breast sparing surgery is created (so an invasive mastectomy is now not the only solution).

- 1941, Hormonal therapy for prostate cancer.

- 1950, cigarette smoke is related to the development of cancer.

- 1953, the first successful cure using chemotherapy.

- 1985, breast conserving surgery is proven effective (“lumpectomy”).

- 2009, the Cervarix vaccine is approved to combat HPV which is a cause of cancer for 70% of cervical cancer cases.

- 2010, the “human cancer treatment vaccine” is introduced (made from the patient’s immune cells).

(3) In the Last Decade:

· An increase in Precision Medicine: Carefully selecting treatments based on an individual’s specific genetic information; used frequently for lung cancer.

· Researchers have expanded their knowledge of the spread and behaviour of cancer cells, preventing spread increases survival chances significantly.

· Development of new forms of immunotherapy (assisting the immune system of patients); CAR T-cell therapy & Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been created.

· Linking obesity and cancer, as well as continuing to study the effects of smoking on this issue.

These are only some of the ways that your donations and cancer research in general has helped, and continues to help, benefit the lives of millions world-wide. I hope that reading this and understanding how far we have come in the last 250 years is inspirational and provides hope for the future. So once again be encouraged, see you all Friday for Relay for Life.

Sources

1) https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-101/cancer-research/?region=on

2) https://www.cancer.gov/research/progress/250-years-milestones

3) https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/cancer-research-insights-from-the-latest-decade-2010-to-2020.html