OPINION:
Recently there was a major breakthrough in the early detection of virtually every kind of cancer (“Researchers develop quick, easy cancer detection test,” Web, Dec. 5). According to the Australian scientists who announced the news, it involves a simple blood test in your doctor’s office that is relatively inexpensive and takes just minutes. In simple terms, these scientists were able to isolate tiny DNA cells only present in cancer cells. I can think of no greater gift for humanity this Christmas and New Year’s season than this.
Immediately the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a statement cautioning the public of “necessary lengthy test trials” (notwithstanding testing already performed by the discovery scientists) that will delay U.S. implementation up to six years. Six years? Something is not right here. What possible danger could be present in such a diagnostic procedure? After all, we are not considering a new, untried drug, but a possible life-saving technique.
The third most voluminous industry in the United States is health care and the pharmaceutical industry, totaling 26 percent of the GDP or $1 trillion annually. The Australian discovery would be a direct threat to these industries. We are talking unspeakable amounts of wealth.
One can only hope that our leadership will take our citizens’ welfare under consideration when dealing with this issue. Yet the likelihood of such good judgment is slim considering the vast dollars funneled into our leaders’ coffers each year in lobby funds.
Merry Christmas.
JAMES W. ANDERSON
Talladega, Alabama
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