Cancer Economy
Since Donna’s cancer, we’ve met many kind, caring doctors, nurses, aides and techs. This is in no way a comment against any of them…. but if you go high enough above them in the organizations they work at, you find businesses. That is where this is directed.
I’ve been pondering a question for the last several months. If a cure for cancer was ever found, would anyone be told about it?
Since Donna’s cancer, I’ve noticed that there is an entire economy built up around cancer treatment. For one thing, I never realized how many people have, or have been treated for, cancer. Take the amazingly large bills we received (or are still receiving) for the surgeries, chemotherapy drugs, radiation, plus all the peripheral stuff (bed, room, time, etc. etc. etc.) …. and then multiply that by all the cancer patients. Getting the picture? If a cure was found, a LOT of money would be taken from the accounts receivable for many organizations (hospitals, drug companies, and a untold slew of supporting organizations/people).
Now, it’s quite possible that given the proper cure, we’d all know about it. Like, for example, one that cures a single type of existing cancerous condition at a time, does not prevent future cancer, has to be given in several treatments over time in a controlled environment, is patented by some company, and has an exorbitant price. Or, maybe, something like a costly yearly vaccine that everyone can take for prevention. These solutions have the side effect that much money will still change hands, keeping the Cancer Economy alive and kicking. Of course, they also have another side effect like current treatments….. unless you have reasonable insurance, or are independantly wealthy, you can’t afford treatment - and even then there is a good chance that you could end up filing for bankrupcy.
So, I’m back to wondering. If someone came up with a $50 pill or shot that would cure all cancer…. would we ever hear about it?