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Show j J)y Corey W. Grua J Public Info. Chairman, I Is cancer curable? QUESTION: I've heard that cancer is one of the most curable of the major ' diseases in this country. Certainly that's an overstatement isn't it? ANSWER: Years ago that statement would have been wishful thinking. It isn't any more. Many announcements of late have told of breakthroughs in discovering cures to different types of cancer. Research aimed at finding an effective medicine to cure monomucleosis has recently developed a drug that may cure two forms of cancer. A lot of us still believe that if the doctor diagnoses cancer we will die. We can all cite cases very close to home. The ACS has a little booklet called "The Hopeful Side of Cancer." From time to time I'll mention some of the optimistic statements from its pages. For example: "Too few know that many cancers are curable. For too long, unreasoned fear has blocked public awareness of the progress that is being made against cancer. Fear is paralyzing, unproductive. It often prevents patients from seeking help." "We want to call attention to what has been accomplished, and to what is being done today, to save people from cancer. Today, life wins over cancer more than ever before. We think you should know that. When fear is quieted, when you know what is being done, not only to keep cancer patients alive, but to return them to a full, productive life, we hope your fear will lessen, so that you will take the positive steps that can help you protect yourself against the disease." Many thanks to those who helped make a success of the Great American Smokeout last week, and especially those who tried a piece of "cold turkey." |