Clinical trials can save lives

Kudos to the Daily Herald for the very informative supplement about prostate cancer. Men who face that dread disease certainly have a wealth of facts with which they can make intelligent decisions about prostate cancer.

However, as a survivor myself, I have to say that a most important area of information about prostate cancer was missing.

I speak of men (actually anyone who has a cancer) participating in research clinical trials. I did participate in a clinical trial at the U.I.C. Medical Center and had the greatest experience with the very dedicated men and women who are trying to eliminate this horrific disease which affects so many men and their families.

Only three percent of people join clinical trials. Meanwhile, many terrible life-ending diseases continue to ravage people because so many clinical trials cannot start or even continue because there are no people to join these ventures. Having undergone such an experience, I know I got cutting edge, world-class treatment at U.I.C. and my cancer is now in remission. Cancer will eventually become like diabetes if enough people join such clinical trials. You might have it but it will be controllable.

Men, there are many Internet Web sites that have lists of clinical trials, their locations, contact names, and how to contact the organization running the clinical trial.

One place mentioned in the supplement needs special mentioning. I speak of the Wellness Center and one of the best and knowledgeable men associated with the Center. I mean Russ Gould, a survivor himself and a man who is very well-informed and conversant in matters affecting men who have prostate cancer. He is a very valuable resource for families of men with prostate cancer too. It is a fact that families have cancer even though it's only one member with the actual disease.

Tom Manion

Mount Prospect