The month of May is designated as National Cancer Research Month by the American Association for Cancer Research. It helps spotlight the importance of lifesaving research to millions of people around the world who are affected by various forms of cancer. Thanks to advances made through cancer research, 18 million Americans and millions more globally are cancer survivors living with, through, and beyond their disease.
Still, far too many people continue to suffer and die from various cancers. Research is crucial for identifying effective treatments and potential cures. In short, cancer research saves lives. It may have already saved yours or that of a loved one, friend, or coworker.
Contributing to Research
There are numerous nonprofits that are contributing to the cause, such as:
- Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance is the largest global organization dedicated to fighting ovarian cancer. OCRA advances research for prevention and treatment as they seek to defeat this killer.
- Melanoma Research Alliance, which was founded in 2007, has committed more than $100 million in funding to end suffering and death from melanomas.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is the oldest and largest private institution dedicated to the care and control of cancer. It was the first hospital to successfully perform a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor, a breakthrough that dramatically increased the number of patients who can benefit from the procedure.
- CureSearch is committed to advancing research to combat childhood cancer, helping accelerate the pace by which innovative methods can be made available.
- Breast Cancer Coalition seeks to end breast cancer through grassroots action and advocacy. It has helped advance federal funding for research, as well as creating more access to health care for uninsured women with breast and cervical cancer.
Talk with Your Doctor
Go get checked. Talk with your primary care provider about cancer screenings. Also, if you have a loved one or friend who is suffering from some form of cancer, consider organizing an event or fundraiser to help attack this dreaded disease.
You may also want to consider donating to our Good Samaritan Cancer Fund, which helps patients who are struggling to pay for their medication, transportation to appointments, hotel stays for long visits, and other costs.
