Are we using the right weapons in the war?

Let me make this clear from the outset, cancer is a very big deal. It has effected my family directly just like it has likely effected yours. Please do not think for a second I am making light of cancer.

Now onto my thoughts.

Cancer is the #2 killer in this country, second only to heart disease. Not a day goes by where you do not hear about a charity like Race for the Cure, the Jimmy V Foundation, Livestrong, etc. raising money for cancer research. Just last week there was a benefit concert on all the major networks with a ton of celebrities involved.

So cancer is a big deal and we are pouring a lot of money into fighting it?

How are we doing? We hear stories about different people "beating" cancer and have people like Lance Armstrong who are the face of cancer survival.

The fact of the matter is this though. Right now, the Journal of Oncology says that 1 in 26 people will get cancer. By 2020, it will be 1 in 19.

Cancer is on the rise.

So the question is, with all this money going to cancer research, why is it on the rise so drastically?

I will tell you right now, I am not arrogant enough to say I know the answer, but there is one statement we need to all be aware of from the American Cancer Society in 2006:

"Poor diet, lack of exercise and unhealthy lifestyle are responsible for 65% of cancer deaths."

That's not me saying that, that is the American Cancer Society. Guys who make all their money from people giving to cancer research.

So does living a healthy lifestyle eliminate all cancers? Not likely.

But should we many use a few of those cancer research dollars in educating about the value of a healthy lifestyle to prevent cancer?

I would say yes.