Vocabulary:
- in-depth [IN-DEPTH]
(adjective) extensive, thorough
I am going to give you an in-depth report of your friend’s medical condition. - aid [eyd]
(noun) professional treatment for illness or injury
We are going to send medical aid to the victims of the typhoon. - auspicious [aw-SPISH-uh s]
(adjective) promising success, fortunate, favorable
I met him at an auspicious time, I was sick and he had the cure. - disparity [dih-SPAR-i-tee]
(noun) a great difference
There’s a disparity in the ages of people who join our organization. - enjoin [en-JOIN]
(verb) instruct or urge to do something
The government enjoins all citizens to participate in activities to save the environment.
In the 2018 in-depth report on cancer incidence, mortality and survival by the American Cancer Society, it is reported that cancer mortality in the US has decreased by 25%. That’s 2.4 million fewer deaths due to cancer since 1991. The drop in cancer deaths in the US has been attributed to the technological advances that aid in the early detection and treatment of cancer, and the decrease in number of people who smoke. Although the released report is auspicious, it shows a disparity in cancer mortality among different racial groups. Cancer death rates are higher among non-Hispanic blacks than among non-Hispanic whites.
An expert said in a statement that maintaining the overall drop in mortality rates will require more clinical and basic research to improve early detection and treatment, as well as creative new strategies to increase healthy behaviors nationwide. Pharmacists are also enjoined to contribute to the continuous decline in cancer mortality rates in the US by educating and counseling cancer patients. In counselling cancer patients, pharmacists can explain the various ways in which patients can get treatment and help. Lastly, pharmacists can also help keep patients in their medication plans.
True or False:
- An in-depth report by the American Cancer Society states that cancer mortality rate in the US increased by 25%.
- The early detection and treatment of cancer contributed to the decrease in cancer mortality rates in the US.
- According to the report, there is no disparity in cancer mortality rates among different racial groups.
- Pharmacists do not have a role to play in keeping cancer death rates in the US down.
- Maintaining the overall drop in mortality rates will require more clinical and basic research to improve early detection and treatment.
Discussion Questions:
- What measures must be taken for early detection and treatment of cancer? Discuss.
- What do you think about people who refuse to get regular medical checks because they’re afraid of what they might find out? Explain further.
- More and more institutions and celebrities are talking about cancer for awareness. Has this made an impact on you? Tell me more.
- In your opinion, what is the most dangerous disease out there that could affect humans?
- In your country, is there an equal access to healthcare for all citizens? Give more details.
Express Your Opinion:
- “Cancer is a word, not a sentence.” – John Diamond
- “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at a time of challenge and controversy.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this – you haven’t.” –Thomas A. Edison