It’s always a good thing when something works according to plan. On December 23, 1971, President Nixon declared “war on cancer” by signing the National Cancer Act.
Since that time, the battle against the second leading cause of death in the US has moved steadily forward. With the announcement this week that cancer death rates are dropping faster than ever, there is evidence that we are making significant progress in this highly important life and death struggle.
During the decade beginning in 1993, cancer deaths fell by 1.1% per year. From 2002 to 2004, the rate was 2.1%. While this change may seem small, for every percentage point drop, there are 5,000 fewer people dying.
In addition to the personal pain and suffering inflicted on individuals and families by cancer, the disease also places a substantial economic burden on our society as a whole. Factors include direct costs—payments and resources used for treatment, care, and rehabilitation, and indirect costs—the loss of economic output due to days off work and premature deaths. Additionally, there are hidden costs that include health insurance premiums along with non-medical expenses such as care for children and the elderly, transportation, personal items (wigs, prostheses, etc.), and housekeeping assistance.
In 1990, cancer-related direct costs in the US were approximately $27.5 billion. Costs jumped to $60 billion by 2000, and saw a hike to $74 billion over the next five years. In 2005, the total cost of cancer in the US (direct, indirect, and hidden) reached nearly $210 billion, considerably more than the $157 billion four years earlier.
Every 30 seconds, someone in the US is diagnosed with cancer, including approximately 8,000 children this year between the ages of 1 and 14. Treatment can be difficult and expensive to patients, insurers, and state and federal health and human services entities.
In Texas this year, an estimated 95,310 cases of cancer will be diagnosed. Because of new technology and advances in treatment, however, only around 37,000 cancer patients will die in 2007.
Although scientists still do not know what causes cancer, researchers believe cancer is triggered by several factors including genetics, diet, and occupation. Medical research is frequently achieving breakthroughs in cancer detection and therapy. In 2006, approximately $116 billion annually was flowing into investments in medical and health research in the US.
Such research offers many benefits. Enhanced emphasis on cancer research serves as a catalyst for growth in biosciences industries. It helps create jobs through increases in staff and facilities and expanded business services needed by research institutes, as well as other multiplier effects. Research and development facilities can also generate significant revenues in the form of licensing and royalty streams. As findings are commercialized, consideration for startup companies is enriched.
Furthermore, medical research can help reduce the mortality and adverse health consequences from cancer and benefit not only the individuals involved, but society as a whole. Historical gains from increased longevity have been enormous. One study places the value of these gains at some $3.2 trillion annually from post-1970. The study additionally concluded that a 1% decrease in the death rate from cancer is worth about $500 billion a year.
As a result of early detection and greater access to constantly improved treatment, death rates from cancer in Texas and the US are continuing to drop. Naturally, there are costs associated with fighting the war on cancer, but their impact is far less than the alternative and far more valuable to the individuals involved and society as a whole.
It’s been a long haul since President Nixon issued his proclamation, and there is still a long road ahead. Determination and perseverance evidenced in medical research will undoubtedly be the keys to future successes. Texans are about to vote on an amendment to provide funding for a major cancer research initiative. The rates of return to medical research and their prospects for promoting economic development are enormous. This effort would be a notable step forward for the future growth of Texas and the future health of us all.