It's time to get in the fight

There's no other word that has as much fear and tragedy surrounding it than cancer.

When I think about it, I don't know anyone in my circle of friends and family who has not, in some way, been affected by cancer.

By affected I mean; been treated for cancer, had a family member or friend who has died from cancer or on the brighter side had a family member or friend who has survived cancer.

The best way I have heard cancer described is by an American woman who labeled the deadly disease as an indiscriminant killer.

And cancer is just that.

It is a disease that crosses ethnicities, social and economic boundaries.

And it seemingly does not care who it affects, whether they be good people, bad people, men, women or children.

Revelations in the latest New Zealand Medical Journal that New Zealand is failing cancer patients is concerning.

Cancer kills more Kiwis than any other disease and lung cancer is the most common cause of death.

The Government has set itself the goal of reducing the incidence of cancer and working on early detection, effective treatment and improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families.

But the author of this particular article in the NZMJ, Professor Frank Frizelle, says reality may be different to these goals.

Frizelle goes on to say: "We don't just need words, we also need adequate resourcing, and most of all we need leadership and a desire to improve what we deliver".

At least the Government agrees and is willing to do more to fight this awful killer.

Cancer is a worldwide problem.

And it is on the rise.

But, through the work of the numerous organisations around the world like the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the fight is on to raise awareness and funds to do battle with this disease.

Armstrong is in my opinion an inspiration.

Not only did he beat cancer and win the Tour de France seven times but he has come out of retirement to ride again to spread the word about this disease around the world.

He is the most famous cancer survivor.

When he was diagnosed with the disease his doctors told him his chances were slim. In reality they felt he had none.

But he fought and beat it and in turn inspired thousands, if not millions, around the world to battle as well.

And he has turned the emphasis to survivors - surviving the disease as opposed to being a victim of the disease.

The principle is obviously to help people live through and live on, to give people the belief to be able to keep going every day and to put the spotlight on finding a way to defeat this horrible killer.

According to reported statistics New Zealand has one of the highest death rates in the developed world for bowel cancer – the second most common cancer.

What is more alarming is that the country has a low rate of early-stage diagnosis.

And while the Government is planning a national bowel cancer screening programme doctors say the progress is too slow.

Does this make you worried? Are you concerned about the state of cancer care and screening in New Zealand?