Cancer Cure

I know several people affected by cancer. One died on Xmas day. Following this depressing event, I got into a discussion with a mate of mine who has had skin cancer and recovered from it (thankfully) about the cures and whether there would ever be a 'total' cure. The following, somewhat skeptical approach to cures was offered:

'A cure for all types of known cancer has been found but is being with held from general release because it would eliminate part of the 'natural selection' element of the human race. If everyone who was diagnosed with cancer was cured, more people would live longer thus exponentially increasing the drain on resources'

Interested to hear PH views.

Rocking horse doo-doo.

There is no such thing as "cancer". So there will never be one cure for them all. Though the genii at Cancer Research are getting there. I've certainly got a lot to thank them for.

Hi IforB, glad to hear you're doing well. I remember I spoke to you on here when I was diagnosed. Everything's going well for me now

Good to hear mate. That's what we want! The more people in the survivors club the better. Thankfully the bar is getting busy!

'the cure' is hidden in a vault with the engine that runs on water and the coke recipe.

My mum died of lung cancer 2 weeks ago. She was sixty four, had never smoked a cigarette and had a very 'healthy' lifestyle.

I asked one of the doctors if there would ever be a cure for cancer. She replied 'No'. Simple as that. There are a few cancers they can do something about such as testicular and some lymph and blood cancers. The rest have to be cut out before they spread. It's the only cure. Once it has spread the best that modern medicine can do is slow the progression and sometimes create remission. Sorry to be blunt but this is the truth seldom talked about.

Also, make sure you don't get cancer in the UK as the NHS is very low down the list for international cancer survival rates. I've seen the service from the inside of a supposed centre of excellence. Excellent wasn't the first word that came to my mind...

Sorry if this is a bit depressing. All I can advise it to live life to the full whilst you can.

Sorry about your Mum. I'm not surprised you are on a downer about cancer care.

My experience is totally different, but then again I'm "lucky" enough to have had a cureable cancer. I cannot praise the NHS or the unit I was treated at highly enough. I have literally had money thrown at my treatment. At no time was cost an issue, but then again, when there is a chance of a positive result, then that is usually where the money goes.

It is harsh, but money is allocated where it will do the most good. I'm just glad that I was "worth" them chucking hundreds of thousands at me and that I was treated at a unit with an exceptional record.

Cancer treatment of any kind is horrifically expensive and getting more so. It is such an emotive subject that it is very hard to have a discussion about it without offending someone unintentionally. I have had many talks with my FiL about treatment and who gets what. (He was clinical director at a big hospital and was on the panel for the Scottish equivalent of NICE who license drugs for use) and hearing him talk about it is sobering. He's the most caring individual I've ever met, but they really have to be cold blooded about it sometimes. If someone hasn't got a chance, then that's it most of the time.
They can't let emotions get in the way of their decisions. For example there was a case up here of a chap with a few weeks to live wanting an experimental treatment that might prolong his life by a few weeks.
My immediate thought is to give him it of course and hang the cost, but when you realise what giving him that will mean for other patients as that finite pot of money is used up.....................Your attitude changes.

I wouldn't want to make that call for all the tea in China though.

Our cancer survival rates in the UK aren't great to be honest. Overall 5 year survival for all diagnoses of cancer is 35ish% whereas the EU average is 39ish%. I'm sure there are lots of reasons far too complicated for discussions between lay people on here, but it doesn't look good really.