Tayler Iversen

Biology 1090, Human Biology

Salt Lake Community College
Taking Sides Readings
Issue 4
Are We Winning the War on Cancer?
John R. Seffrin, writes an article on the War Against Cancer and how he
believes we have made much progress when it comes to research and treatment.
Overall, he expresses a strong opinion on the success in the strides and efforts that
have been made to cure cancer and prolong life.
Seffrin believes if the right things are done the War Against Cancer can
ultimately be won. He talks about how although new information about cancer has
been founded he does not believe it is being appropriately shared with all types of
people in the world. Seffrin stresses the idea that science, public health, and public
policy all play an important part and must act together for the greater good.
I believe Seffrin offers some great insight into the enormous problem that is
cancer. I do agree that all of us must work together to make sure we find an ultimate
cure I dont think that that is all we must due. Although I can see that he might suffer
from certain biases. For example, Seffrin is the president of the American Cancer
Society, and therefore would feel a certain bias to agree with that association ideas
and beliefs. While Seffrin stresses that we have building blocks we simply need to
come together to put them together, I still believe we are missing some blocks. I
believe we arent as close to a cure as he claims.
In contrast, Reynold Spector writes a compelling opinion on the idea that the
gains and progress of this War on Cancer and been minimal and limited when
looked at closely. He argues the idea that although certain drugs or treatments have
been discovered that prolong life or temporarily cure no one has found an actual
cure. He states that while we now know a little bit more about some causes of
cancer and prevention we still havent reached the root of the problem. Spector
gives specific graphs and statistics to shed light on his point of view. For instance he
claims that the cancer death rate as only decreased 5% since 1950 (adjusted for size
and age of population).
I also believe Spector offers a great deal of insight and opinion on the subject
of cancer. And I find myself leaning towards agreeing with him for the most part.
Although I cant help but think that without the research and efforts we have put
into cancer we would be nowhere close to where we are today. Although I agree that
we have long way to go I also know that the only way to get there is to get going.