“More Less Cancer” may seem like an oxymoron, but it represents our mission, to approach fighting cancer in a new way, with a laser focus on prevention. And we need more action on every front.10491204_10205938186516535_5394054498485735575_n

Our ultimate measure of success will be fewer incidences of cancer. For the time being, we have been able to raise awareness among the public and in government, helping to pass legislation requiring parental permission for children at tanning salons, and working to establish National Cancer Prevention Day and the bi-partisan Congressional Cancer Prevention Caucus. I am impressed by the Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) who lead the Congressional Cancer Prevention Caucus. The caucus, is the first of its kind, was formed in collaboration with myself, founder of National Cancer Prevention Day and our organization Less Cancer, to expand education and awareness about cancer prevention.

Our national community includes doctors and academics, legislators, health care advocates, environmental activists, and, in particular, families encountering the threat of cancer. We want to engage with you about the elements and issues that have most relevance to you. We have a lot on our plate, but can always use more input.

How can we move from a society in which we move from a cancer treatment “industry” of clinics and hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and new treatments, to a healthier society that can actively prevent the 50 percent plus of cancers that are avoidable?

Are we destined simply to see cancer as a chronic disease? That is not the progress we need after more than 100 years of fighting it. The model for how we approach cancer needs to change.

What do you see in your communities?

The general population does not want to settle for lifelong treatments. They want real solutions. Cancer has no bounds. Cancer has been unabashed in its approach and its attack. We need to show that same relentlessness.

Our job is to protect all at-risk populations, including children, or those suffering from hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and homelessness. That is why the work of Less Cancer is so labor intensive, because change does not happen on a website or a click of a button; it happens with information, instruction, follow-up, negotiation, and positive re-enforcement. Our challenge is to get everyone around the table and do what we can to protect those most at risk.

What seems like common sense to many can be tripped-up by greed. What are your common-sense solutions? There are many making efforts to do the right thing and are doing terrific work in getting towards our goal.

We are slowly winning in this fight. Business must be done in a new way, protecting the environment, the economy and ultimately human health. Less Cancer needs your help, across a wide range of activities. Please share your insights with us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LessCancer/), Twitter (@Lesscancer), or email (info@lesscancer.org). Please share your stories.

Our mission is to serve everybody concerned with preventing needless suffering. We look forward to hearing your views and expanding the conversation.