Fran Visco on Ending Breast Cancer
Posted 6/25/2012
Posted in
Many, I hope most, of you know of Fran Visco, the President of the National Breast Cancer Coalition. That group is often known as "the thinking woman's breast cancer organization" and is responsible for enormous progress in national goals and policies. This op ed piece was in the Boston Globe a few days ago, and is worth reading. Actually, more than worth reading.
Let's end breast cancer by 2020
By Fran Visco
Man's first steps on the moon, which we commemorate every July 20, were both an astonishing human achievement and an affirmation of our nation's unique willingness to do great things. The seemingly impossible challenge President Kennedy issued in 1961 became breathtaking reality only 98 months later. It is time to reawaken this impulse and honor our heritage by committing to a goal no less ambitious or achievable - than the moon landing seemed half a century ago: ending breast cancer by 2020.
On one level, we have made great strides in attacking breast cancer. Pink ribbons abound. Countless thousands of women and men - walk and run to raise money for a cure. Awareness is near universal. From this perspective, it's easy to believe that breast cancer is in retreat.
But this seeming success has masked a medical failure. The United States spends well more than $1 billion a year on breast cancer research, and we have little to show for it in terms of the outcomes that matter most. While mortality rates have been gradually declining, they are nowhere near commensurate with our investment in dollars and attention to the issue.
Read and share Fran's June 20th Op Ed in The Boston Globe online: Let's end breast cancer by 2020.
Tags: