Welcome to our Sunnybrook Community Event, where my urgency meets compassion in the fight against lung cancer. In 2024, the gravity of my message is underscored by the significant needs lung cancer faces. Over the past almost five years, I've lived with stage 4 lung cancer. During that time, too many lives were lost to advanced lung cancer. It's the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Remarkably, in North America alone, lung cancer surpasses breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined in its toll on human lives.
Lung cancer science is making remarkable strides, especially in genetic testing. It's paving the way for personalized, precise therapies tailored to each patient's unique situation. These targeted therapies extend our lives and give many, myself included high-quality lives. Yet, the story is far from complete. Extensive efforts in research, education, and patient care are imperative to transform lung cancer into a manageable chronic disease akin to diabetes.
Despite its global impact, lung cancer remains in the shadows, primarily due to its historical association with smoking. Yet risks beyond smoking affect many. Radon and asbestos exposure, family history, and pollution are examples. Funding is urgently required to pioneer earlier lung cancer screening, thus enabling faster diagnoses and expanding the array of treatment options available.
Lung cancer is a complex disease, with not all types having specific therapies. The high cost of scientific equipment and diagnostic tools poses challenges exacerbated by chronic underfunding. My drive to support lung cancer intends to break these barriers and propel lung cancer research, education, and patient care advancements.
Your support makes a tangible difference for Sunnybrook's dedicated lung cancer specialists and their patients, including me. By joining our community, you contribute to our goal of improving the narrative around lung cancer. We're immensely grateful for your support on behalf of me and others facing similar challenges. Together, we will change the trajectory of lung cancer and bring hope to countless lives. Thank you!