The Cancer industry...

island911 · 05:25 PM

Do you wear a ribbon?

Pay for "Hope" and an image of caring?

meh.

In this world of heavily funded cancer research a 15 year old boy comes along and absolutely hits one out of the park.

Meet Jack Andraka - Forbes

Impressive.

pavulon · 10-20-2012, 05:38 PM

very impressive!!

Not sure how it relates to ribbons and "meh".

WolfeMacleod · 10-20-2012, 09:41 PM

Read that quite a while ago. Wish it had been available a long time ago, my mom was diagnosed with liver cancer about six months ago. They gave her six months back then. UW drug their feet for almost three months getting her started on treatment, and it's not working well.
The worst thing? She has a regular liver doctor because of Hep C, who failed completely in his duties to keep an eye on her condition and didn't catch it till it was quite advanced.

widgeon13 · 10-21-2012, 03:12 AM

Cancer is a terrible disease.

creaturecat · 10-21-2012, 08:26 AM

My friend Susan's cause:

F Cancer Embrace Life

Evans, Marv · 10-21-2012, 09:23 AM

When I see "Cancer Industry," I think of my dad in the early '90s. He had colon cancer which migrated to his liver and on to his brain. They told my parents he would have about 6 months left if they operated on his brain and about 6 weeks if they didn't. Of course my parents opted for the operation. They operated, it cost about $250K (insurance + deductable), and he lived like a vegetable for about three weeks & died, but they got their $250K. I'm glad to hear about advances, but I always wonder how much of this goes on.

island911 · 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavulon

very impressive!!

Not sure how it relates to ribbons and "meh".

I know, everyone is supposed to go along with the notion that if there is some "fight against cancer cause/fund" that it must go forward w/o question.

However, in my experience, this is just another shakedown. ...that true progress comes from individuals driven to find solutions. This kid is a great example of that.

Those who spend time and money on outrageous pink walking costumes...? not so much. 'Hope' is not a productive endeavor.

I expect that sounds cynical to many. It's not.

Again, this kid set a great example of seeking information and sorting and applying.

...as opposed to marching in a parade to "raise awareness"

Again, he is a 15y/o kid.

pavulon · 10-21-2012, 10:06 AM

ok. So I have to assume you've done more than those walking around in pink get-ups. Can you elaborate on those accomplishments?

This won't apply to the OP but for others, cancer doesn't discriminate between folks who can and can't make sound decisions. Frequently, functional people and families are overwhelmed by a diagnosis. Some are never able to cope and get stuck in a cycle of questions that never end. Some want everything done...even if it is too late. Others want nothing done...then change their mind but way late. Some never get out of denial. Some run in and out of all of these. I won't say that there aren't places out there looking to squeeze money out of everything, but I will say that dealing with a lot of cancer patients can make you age years in a day...and then there is the education that goes before getting to do it.

I won't get into the differences between diagnostics and treatment nor try to downplay this young man's accomplishment. But to glibly dismiss the efforts of anyone trying to contribute in whatever way they might is pretty rich.

island911 · 10-21-2012, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavulon

ok. So I have to assume you've done more than those walking around in pink get-ups. Can you elaborate on those accomplishments?...

I see. If I don't supply you with adequate accomplishments . . . my point must be wrong.

Is that what you are saying?

BTW, "contribute in whatever way they might" ...are you talking about people who actually contribute, or those who put on an image of contributing?

is putting on a ribbon pin contributing?

is this thread--pointing to actual progress-- contributing?

pavulon · 10-21-2012, 12:53 PM

I asked for any accomplishments. I'd be satisfied with an effort...well...beyond criticism of those making an effort which may or may not accomplish much beyond contributing support.

I won't argue over many wearing a ribbon primarily as a fashion statement. That happens. But many others wear them and do the work every day. Right or wrong, criticizing those efforts may put you in an awkward position some day as you and yours are not immune.

Lastly, I think most would be ok with wondering out loud, but you seem to have a remarkably strong opinion of efforts intended to support things you've not experienced or know much about.

I'd ask you to let it go at that but I see you like to talk...so I'll go first.

widgeon13 · 10-21-2012, 01:14 PM

Well the kid is doing more than 99.9999999999999999% of the population. Congrats and good for him.

5 hour energy is now advertising that for every drink sold a contribution will be made. I suppose that is a win - win until they find that the drink is carcinogenic. They're just milking a cause in my opinion.

dennis in se pa · dennis in se pa's Garage

Too much money given in the hopes it goes to a search for a cure is absconded by the fund raisers.

What gets to the actual research is not necessarily well managed. The whole process is largely a scam except for a few instances.

I have seen some scams in emergency rooms that have tarnished my image of the medical profession also.

If your loved one has cancer and you have money or insurance you are fair prey.

It's no longer medicine, or even at least business, it is out right thievery.

This guy is a breath of fresh air.

pavulon · 10-21-2012, 01:40 PM

What is it called when patients have no insurance (not even Medicaid) and no way to pay yet have the legal right to demand everything be done to the greatest extent possible and receive exactly that and pursue legal action against anybody who may or may not have done them "wrong"?

widgeon13 · 10-21-2012, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavulon

What is it called when patients have no insurance (not even Medicaid) and no way to pay yet have the legal right to demand everything be done to the greatest extent possible and receive exactly that and pursue legal action against anybody who may or may not have done them "wrong"?

Obamacare

pavulon · 10-21-2012, 01:53 PM

um...no. Obamacare attempts to mandate health insurance for everyone.

Laneco · 10-21-2012, 02:42 PM

What an incredible accomplishment!

GO JAKE!!!!

angela

Hugh R · 10-21-2012, 03:36 PM

Very smart kid.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

J tap dancin' C

Island, you are like 13 year old child sometimes. You could not just post the link to the young man and say, "attaboy."

Smart kid, hope we have enough of them to save our bacon.

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennis in se pa

Too much money given in the hopes it goes to a search for a cure is absconded by the fund raisers.

What gets to the actual research is not necessarily well managed. The whole process is largely a scam except for a few instances.

I have seen some scams in emergency rooms that have tarnished my image of the medical profession also.

If your loved one has cancer and you have money or insurance you are fair prey.

It's no longer medicine, or even at least business, it is out right thievery.

Nailed it. The cancer fundraising industry is a cancer.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

As pointed out in the article, a paper from 2008 outlines the approach (and likely funded by "the industry").

Nanotube-antibody biosensor arrays for the de... [Nanotechnology. 2008] - PubMed - NCBI