Senator Kennedy’s Death Another Reminder of What Is At Stake
Senator Edward Kennedy’s death from a brain tumor yesterday is a grim reminder to the nation of the high stakes of cancer. Although the senator’s life is no more valuable than any of the other 1500 Americans who will die from the cancer today, it is certainly a more influential representation of the disease’s characteristics. Cancer is an equalizer that takes down the mighty with the same vengeance as the commoner. One big difference, however, in how cancer affects different people is in its impact on their finances. For the wealthy and well-insured, treatment cost is of little factor. But, for those of modest or low income, and with insufficient or no insurance, cost is almost as stressful as the disease itself.
What we are mostly focused on presently is how we can help cancer victims pay for the treatment. Health reform seems to be all about how to respond to the rising costs (about 7% annually) rather than how to reduce the costs. As we continue research for more and better drugs with the requisite clinical trials, we push the cost endlessly upward. What is needed is policy changes that encourage speedier clinical trials, less restrictive limitations on use of new drugs, and greater receptivity to natural complements that enhance the effectiveness and reduce the application levels of these drugs. There are many proven practices of integrative oncology that can substantially reduce the dependency on and cost of conventional cancer treatment drugs. Until we shift the paradigm of cancer treatment to a more integrative concept, costs will continue to escalate and insurance premiums will continue to spiral out of the reach of more people.
Senator Kennedy was a champion for health care reform. May his passing be a time for us all to rethink what this reform should entail, particularly for cancer victims. It is all about cost, not payment.