Today we recognize World Cancer Day.
Cancer is one of those diseases that doesn’t need much help in drawing attention to itself. One in two men, and one in three women, have a chance of getting cancer in their lifetime. It is also responsible for one in every four deaths in the U.S. People over the age of 55 account for 78 percent of all cancer cases.
But here’s the good news: Because of research and innovation, progress is being made against cancer. The five-year survival rate for cancer has gone up 40 percent in the last 40 years. New treatments in cancer lend hope to millions with the disease. For instance, this cancer survivor shares how advances in medicine saved her life.
As we recognize this day, we offer some resources, both educational and inspirational, to help you learn more about cancer’s impact and how researchers are working to find a cure.
- The Alliance’s Silver Book® Cancer site has stats about the disease.
- This infographic gives an overview of cancer, including its impact on health and the economy.
- Get inspired with a story about a cancer survivor.
- Watch this video below of Dr. Harvey Jay Cohen from Duke University speaking about the burden of cancer among older people in the U.S. and the value of research and innovation in reducing those burdens.
