Recently, the “On Call Program” taped an episode of the show while participating in the American Cancer Society’s signature event, “the Relay for Life”. This is a fantastic event that is held around the nation raising much needed funds for cancer research and patient services. I was impressed by the event last year, especially in how family friendly it is. Special attention is given to all ages including games for the kids, food, and entertainment lasting all night. However, the most impressive activity for me as a physician and the son of a cancer casualty was the victory lap for current cancer survivors. Although teams are walking laps all night, the first lap is reserved for those special individuals who have stared cancer in the face and defeated it. What an act of encouragement that is for others as they see the large number of survivors as they may just be starting their own battle with cancer.

The main point being that as the war on cancer continues, it is important for us to realize that great victories are occurring. Modern medicine has developed many innovative treatments that have markedly improved the prognosis for patients with breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, various forms of leukemia, and many others. It was only twenty years ago that the diagnosis of most cancers brought with it an eventual death sentence. Now, more than 60% of all cancer patients are alive at five years and that includes those cancers for which we have little hope of curing at present. In fact, were we to back up the calendar and have had this event in 1975 (the era of my father’s cancer), I am certain that the initial victory lap for survivors would have been a small group indeed. However, I am convinced that moving the calendar forward to 2020 will show a much greater group of survivors. Perhaps by that time, the most difficult cancers to cure such as pancreatic and lung cancer will be curable as a matter of course. Perhaps it will be a world where women need not live in fear wondering if they are next to be diagnosed with breast cancer or men no longer expecting prostate cancer to “get them” if they live long enough. This is not a dream but a realistic expectation of future achievements in medical research based on past and current developments.

However, it will not simply happen on it’s own accord. Each one of those cancer survivors walking that victory lap had others walking with them. There were biomedical researchers the world over dedicating their careers to defeating these diseases. There were all the volunteers who work tirelessly raising funds to continue the fight. Most importantly, there were those cancer casualties, like my father, who taught the medical world a great deal as they unsuccessfully fought their disease together. Without their experiences with their battle against cancer, we would know so little and understand even less.

So here is a victory cheer for those wonderful people who may have fallen to cancer, but were never defeated. You have taught us much and in return, we pledge to continue the good fight in your honor. May God’s richest blessing be upon your loved ones.

Dr. Dan Edney