My Reflections On Cancer and Our Responsibilities

While sitting here on an overcast day this past Sunday, along with chilly temperatures and a high wind warning, I found myself thinking about this week’s column. I’ll be honest with you, the right correct subject doesn’t always come easily, and I end up going to bed on Sunday evening still searching for inspiration. This sometimes pushes me right up to our publication deadline, much to the concern of my publisher and editor, but by now they have come to understand how my mind works. Sometimes it’s after midnight and I jump out of bed and start typing when I finally encounter a topic worthy of exploration, the ideas begin to flow effortlessly.

This week it was a topic that hit close to home for me, as well as so many of you. A subject that has affected my family, as well as so many of yours.

I am justifiably proud of the unwavering support that the management and staff of our paper have offered in the fight against cancer. Their support to the efforts concerning education and early detection is evident in the encouragement they provide to those battling this devastating disease, as well as to the families and loved ones who stand beside them throughout their journeys. This spirit of compassion and solidarity is vital in fostering hope and resilience.

One of the most critical factors contributing to a positive outcome in the treatment of cancer lies in early detection. While there is ongoing debate about the timing and frequency of screenings, these decisions are best made in consultation with one's healthcare professional. Early detection remains a cornerstone in improving survival rates and successful treatment.

Establishing a healthy diet is another essential aspect of cancer prevention and management, especially should there be a genetic link within your family line regarding the disease. Notably, seeing your primary physician on a regular basis and receiving regular check-ups is a vital start in the early detection process. Given these findings, it may be wise to avoid certain foods and to consult with primary care physicians, oncologists, and registered dietitians or nutritionists who specialize in food and nutrition for personalized advice.

The topic of cancer resonates deeply with me, as my father passed from lung cancer in 1966, a short time after he had turned 45 years of age. The cancer, which had originated in his lung, would metastasize to his spine, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. His sister fell victim to breast cancer two years later in 1968. Although she didn’t die from it, she suffered greatly during her next several decades. My mother passed from lung cancer in 1989, and my younger brother in 2023 from pancreatic cancer. These personal losses highlight the profound impact cancer can have on families and underscore the urgency of ongoing research and support.

Since the passing of my father, my aunt, my mother, and my brother to this dreaded disease, significant advancements have been made through cancer research, which have brought forward improved methods of diagnosis, treatment techniques, and other breakthroughs.

We owe a tremendous debt to the men and women who have devoted their lives to expanding our knowledge and developing new tools. Their work has been made possible through the efforts of organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the volunteers who work tirelessly to raise the necessary funds for research. Since 1946, when the ACS was established, they have provided over five billion dollars for that research.

Here on Marco Island, you all have done a spectacular job of raising the monies which helps to make these strides in research and treatments a reality. In fact, one of those major efforts here on the island and the local ACS is the annual Imagination Ball, which will be held at the JW Marriott on Saturday, February 6, and is chaired for the thirteenth year by Debra Shanahan. You may still obtain tickets by visiting their website at www.marcoisland.acs-gala.org/tickets-donations.

In 2025, there were an estimated two million new cancer cases in the United States (excluding nonmelanoma skin cases) and nearly 619,000 cancer-related deaths.

The battle against cancer is ongoing, and the need for support, education, and early detection has never been greater. While progress has been made, more must be done each day to further increase survivorship and improve outcomes for those affected. The citizens of Marco Island can be proud of its leadership position within Florida in raising the necessary funds to continue. the battle against this terrible disease.

Cancer has touched the lives of families and friends across our community in numerous ways. We owe it to ourselves and those affected to rise up and contribute—whether through time, talent, or treasure, as we continue to help eradicate this terrible disease. In doing so, we ensure that we leave our community better than we found it.