Is the Battle Plan for the War on Cancer a Fantasy?
Every year, complementary cancer treatment prospects with great potential of success never get to the laboratory because of political opposition from government and industry or because the small return on investment generates too little incentive. Too much money is available to fund the status quo and too little money is available to make alternative options profitable. In either case, the solution is to somehow, some way, change the money equation. Law must be passed to legislate the ethical high road, and money must be generated for testing of treatment alternatives. Both must happen.
There could and should be a best of both worlds. in fact, there should be just one world of cancer treatment products and practice with room for all options. That world ought to be characterized as inviting to the full spectrum of ideas and strategies employable against the disease. Laws should place reasonable controls on the levels of contributions and other influences that the pharmaceutical industry lavishes on Congress and applicable government agencies. The government should restrict only the use of products and practices that have proven to be harmful rather than approving only those that meet often arbitrary standards. Let the doctor and patient decide what is effective. Physicians need to be trained in all aspects of treatment, not just conventional, and have the freedom to prescribe, within reason, what they think is best. Medical schools and medical centers should receive government incentive and private assistance to research and test complementary treatment products and practices.
All of this may seem like a fantasy wish list. But, the fantasy is a prerequisite for winning the war on cancer. It will not happen overnight, and it will not happen at all unless and until we get so fed up with the status quo of cancer treatment that we personally resolve to do something about it. Begin now to fight the fight. Write your Congressmen, write the pharmaceutical companies, and write your nearest cancer centers. Seek out integrative oncologists that you will use or recommend. Support the charities and foundations that fund complementary therapies exclusively.