Cancer... I think we all know at least one person affected by this terrible disease. Over the summer, I worked at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, and I helped coordinate special cooking demos for oncology (aka cancer) patients. Interacting with these patients was an amazing and rewarding experience. I was so inspired by several patients who were committed to fighting this disease and positive about the future. When times are tough and circumstances are difficult, faith and a positive attitude are important to help get you through.
Although cancer is a deadly disease, there have been constant efforts across the globe to treat and prevent the onset of cancer. Survival rates are improving for many cancer patients, especially those diagnosed at younger ages. Improvements in chemotherapy and other treatments can be credited to these improved survival rates. Researchers also found that survival odds increased for people ages 50-64.
Cancer research is crucial to helping find a cure for this disease and increasing survival rates. As a Penn State Alumn, I support THON, a major effort by Penn Staters to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Penn State THON is this weekend and I encourage you to donate. Since 1977, THON has raised more than $114 Million for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. Check out this awesome event and spread the word about fundraising for cancer research.
Xoxo,
Stefani
Source: Zeng C, Wen W, Morgans AK, Pao W, Shu X, Zheng W. Disparities by Race, Age, and Sex in the Improvement of Survival for Major Cancers: Results From the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program in the United States, 1990 to 2010. JAMA Oncol. Published online February 19, 2015. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2014.161.