Time running out for cancer research funding

None of us are more than one degree from someone with cancer – whether it’s a friend, family member or we’ve been diagnosed ourselves.

There is perhaps no better way for Congress to demonstrate support for the fight against cancer than by funding advancements in research.

Earlier this year, the president announced his intentions to redouble the rate of progress to find new treatments and cures through a National Cancer Moonshot. There remains strong biapartisan support in Congress for funding the “moonshot” with a $680 million increase for the National Cancer Institute this year.

The most likely way the cancer moonshot gets funded would be through a two-step process of Congress first passing a 21st Century Cures Bill that includes moonshot money and then approving the funds through the end-of-year budget process.

For this to be a reality, Congress must pass the 21st Century Cures Act and fund the cancer moonshot before the end of the year. For the 15.5 million cancer survivors and their families in the United States, now is the time for Congress to act and support our national investment in cancer research. Congress must fund the moonshot and support a $680 million increase for the National Cancer Institute this year. 

Jeanette Gossett

Volunteer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

Meridian

Why skip the turkey?

President Obama is taking a break from Trump transition to pardon two turkeys. Every one of us can exercise that presidential pardon power on Thanksgiving by giving thanks for health and happiness while skipping gratuitous violence.

The 235 million turkeys killed in the U.S. this year have nothing to be thankful for. They are raised in crowded sheds filled with toxic fumes. At 16 weeks, slaughterhouse workers cut their throats and dump them in boiling water to remove their feathers.

Consumers pay a heavy price, too. Turkey flesh is laced with cholesterol and saturated fats that elevate risk of chronic killer diseases. Package labels warn of food poisoning potential.

But, there is good news. Annual per capita consumption of turkeys is down by a whopping 35 percent from a 1996 high. A third of our population is reducing meat consumption. Food manufacturers are developing a great variety of healthful, delicious plant-based meat products.

My Thanksgiving dinner will include a “tofurky” (soy-based roast), mashed potatoes, stuffed squash, chestnut soup, candied yams, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and carrot cake.

An internet search on vegan Thanksgiving and a visit to my local grocery store will provide me heaps of recipes and delightful plant-based turkey alternatives.

Milton Silva

 

Meridian