Turning a Record into a Rallying Cry

Last week, I paused when I came across the Daily Beast’s November 24 headline based on research from Gallup: “U.S. Cancer Diagnoses Reach Record High.” Behind that stark phrase are people — neighbors, colleagues, loved ones — whose lives change in a moment. As an organization dedicated to research and patient support, while the numbers appear grim on the surface, there is some hope when you dig deeper into the facts.

What’s driving the rise in cancer diagnoses, you may ask? A “record” in diagnoses does not tell a single story. Several forces are converging:

• Better detection: More sensitive screening and diagnostic tools, like a simple blood test, can find cancers earlier — and in more people.
• Demographics: An aging population naturally increases cancer diagnoses.
• Environmental and lifestyle risks: Commercial determinants of health and exposures add to the burden.

We cannot afford to be paralyzed by the headline, but rather we should be mobilized by it! While the number of diagnoses is going up, so too are the numbers of people living longer with cancer. With changes in the funding landscape for cancer, we have a unique opportunity to double down on cancer research, prevention and early detection tools, and patient support.

A record high in diagnoses is not the record any of us want to break. But it can be a turning point — if we choose it to be. Together, we can prevent more cancers, find them earlier, ensure that no one faces a diagnosis alone, and assist them in their healing.

That’s what Tower Cancer Research Foundation is all about. If you are able, please support our work — your donation directly expands our ability to fund critical research and offer health and wellness programs that impact and ultimately save lives.

Thank you for being part of the Tower Cancer Research Foundation family. From our family to yours, please accept our best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season filled with joy and hope.