Israel’s News Blog Magazine: Daily Stories Video and PhotosWith all the adverse publicity being levied against Israel, especially in the aftermath of last summer’s war in Lebanon, as well as legal indictments against many of the country’s political leaders, there is one piece of very good news: Israel is winning the war against most forms of cancer. A recent news program announced that Israel is now ranked No. 1 internationally in successful treatment of cancer in women, and No. 3 in treatment of cancer in men. The Israel Cancer Association, Israel’s foremost organization dealing with prevention and cure of cancer in Israel, has helped physicians who treat the disease by emphasizing the importance of prevention and early treatment of the disease that is still one of the major killers of people worldwide, including Western countries.
More and more Israeli women have regular mammography exams, against breast cancer, and pap smears for detection of cervical and ovarian cancer, These tests, crucial in women over age 40, are saving countless lives; and new innovations in cancer surgery are not only helping to cure the disease but to cause less disfiguration as well. In men, where cancer of the prostate gland, as well as the colon used to be commonplace; regular endoscope exams, biopsies (for prostate gland problems) and constant monitoring of male PSA blood levels are detecting these forms of cancer early enough to result in higher percentages of successful treatment.
Even lung cancer, once a very high risk factor in Israel due to smoking in public places, is on the decrease. Smoking is now banned in virtually all public places, as well as in the work place. While smoking is still a high risk factor in Israel, fewer young Israelis are smoking than in former years. Annual fund raising drives by the ICA bring in millions of Shekels for use in both cancer research and in treatment centers for people who are diagnosed with various forms of the disease. Education programs dealing with cancer are on the increase – particularly on TV.
Children who suffer from a variety of pediatric cancers, including leukemia, have recently become big winners in this war as well. A much higher percentage of children diagnosed with cancer are now surviving and once again living a normal life.
Though great strides have been made, a lot more needs to be done, especially in availability of cancer fighting medications given to patients as part of the ‘basket’ of health care services being offered by the government. Recent hunger strikes by cancer patients against government officials, point out problems resulting from reduced funds being allotted by the Israeli government for health care, including desperately needed drugs used in cancer treatment. “We’ve come so far, but still have so far to go” an ICA official said recently.
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