A Cure for Cancer as Part of the Presidential Agenda

President John Kennedy set forth the goal of putting a man on the moon. It must have seemed a lofty ambition. However, on July 20, 1969, American astronauts landed on the moon. The American President had set a goal and it was realized.

As President-elect Obama takes office in January, he will set forth goals for his administration. Perhaps one of those goals that he will place before the American people and the international scientific community will be to find a cure for cancer, before the end of the next decade.

Cancer impacts us all. It is cruel beyond measure. When President-elect Obama considers all the administration appointments, may he appoint a National Director of Cancer Research. The mandate will be simple: eradicate cancer. And one possible candidate for this role is Elizabeth Edwards. Her health issues have been well documented. However, she would bring political expertise, a legal background and instant name recognition to the position.

The cure and prevention of cancer is not just a medical research issue. It involved funding and the sharing of information by the international community. There are politics involved, as well as big business. During his administration, President Obama can bring the clout of his elected office to resolve this medical problem. It is not just a matter of ‘hope‘ - it is a matter of ‘must‘.

Catherine Forsythe