Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Cancer Opens Doors

There has never been a better time to have cancer. In an article titled Why Everyone Seems to Have Cancer, The New York Times reports, “cancer is on the verge of overtaking [heart disease] as the No. 1 cause of death.” We’re number one! We’re number one!

It makes me want to run out and get one of those giant foam fingers.

And while cancer is becoming ever more popular, it still commands enough awe and respect to afford special privileges for cancer patients. Waiting rooms in radiation therapy offices are filled with baked goods, clothing and other items donated for the benefit of the cancer patients. (Well, not mine, but others I know of.) An organization called To Show We Care offers cancer patients free tickets to theater and musical events. Hospitals provide yoga, acupuncture and other stress reduction services.

And that’s not even counting child-oriented facilities like the Make a Wish Foundation or the Ronald McDonald House, where seriously ill kids can enjoy a respite with their families in the shadow of a junk food mascot.

So if you’ve ever considered cancer, now’s the time to jump on board. Don’t wait until it becomes last year’s thing.

2 comments:

Bill Costa said...

Thanks for the article link. For my annual physical, my Doctor has ordered a PSA test. As I'm sure you well understand, I have mixed feelings about this. Like the stock market, all they can tell you is... "Here is what we know, here is what we don't know. You have to decide how you want to throw the dice."

Unknown said...

I know there's some debate about how much to test and how much to treat. In my case, the symptoms were scant ... PSA fluctuating between 1 and 5, not particularly high, and no other symptoms. But I'm *very* glad they did a biopsy.