Progress is being made in fight against cancer

Progress is being madein fight against cancer
EDITOR:
This is in response to the letter "Progress in fight against cancer appears illusionary." While it's very unfortunate and sad that this gentleman lost his mother to this terrible disease, we disagree with his opinion that "we are no further ahead in fighting cancer than we were when the colonial settlers first arrived in this country."
While it might be true that the percentage of late-stage diagnosis in our counties is higher than the state average, the overall survivor rate for those diagnosed with cancer continues to increase. Today, people diagnosed with cancer are living longer. During WWII, not even half the people diagnosed with cancer survived five-years or longer. In 2006, 64% of those diagnosed will live five-years or longer. Furthermore, when colorectal, breast, prostate, skin, and lung cancers are diagnosed at an early stage more than 90% have a five-year relative survival rate.
The money raised for cancer research has made a significant impact. A few examples are the drugs Tamoxifen and Gleevec, and the Pap test which detects cervical cancer. In all there have been 39 American Cancer Society funded researchers who went onto win the Nobel Prize.
Scientific evidence proves that a healthy lifestyle, which includes physical activity, proper nutrition, avoiding tobacco and the appropriate testing, each contribute to preventing cancer.
We believe that cancer continues to kill too many people each year; we also know that early detection and prevention are two keys to living a healthier life. Obviously not enough money is earmarked for cancer research so we continue to lobby for more dollars from our federal legislators. In addition, we raise millions of dollars nationwide to fund American Cancer Society researchers throughout the county. We continue to strive for the day when a cure is found for this devastating disease and the world is cancer-free.
NICHOL CAMPANA
AL STABILITO
American Cancer Society, Mahoning Unit
Youngstown
Traficant is where he belongs
EDITOR:
In response to a letter from a gentleman from Rittman in support of Jim Traficant, which appeared in The Vindicator Jan. 8, I would like to say how embarrassing and annoying it is to hear from people who defend that lowlife loser known as Jim Traficant.
That man began his letter by saying "I'm totally disgusted with the people of Mahoning Valley" and that Traficant got into "hot water" because he wasn't afraid to tell anyone off. What a ridiculous statement. Let's be very clear -- Traficant got into "hot water" because he committed crimes. He is in prison because he committed crimes, and he got what he deserved. The good and decent people of this area, and there are lots of us, are disgusted with people who still defend Traficant.
Jim Traficant betrayed us. He was a buffoon and laughingstock in Congress and he used his position of public trust to illegally profit from that position. Although it is wonderful to know that this loser is in prison, it is embarrassing to know that some people still support him. Let us all work hard to make sure that he rots as long as possible and that should he ever return, to actively protest his presence in the place where he abused his trust.
PLATO KALFAS
Girard