The fact that so many people are dying of cancer - instead of something else - is, in a way, one of humanity's greatest achievements. Eliminating cancer is like switching off all fossil-fuel power plants. It might make more sense to fight against other causes of death (thereby increasing the proportion of cancer deaths) just as it might make more sense to build new coal power plants to reduce the burning of wood.
That's a great point and, of course, to a lesser extent you could say that about COVID as well. Many have pointed out that the average age of a COVID death is almost equal to average life expectancy in the US. Ergo if that life expectancy was 5, 10 years younger, a good number of those COVID deaths never happen (never from COVID, anyway).
The fact that so many people are dying of cancer - instead of something else - is, in a way, one of humanity's greatest achievements. Eliminating cancer is like switching off all fossil-fuel power plants. It might make more sense to fight against other causes of death (thereby increasing the proportion of cancer deaths) just as it might make more sense to build new coal power plants to reduce the burning of wood.
That's a great point and, of course, to a lesser extent you could say that about COVID as well. Many have pointed out that the average age of a COVID death is almost equal to average life expectancy in the US. Ergo if that life expectancy was 5, 10 years younger, a good number of those COVID deaths never happen (never from COVID, anyway).
The Oval Office. 1 week ago…
KH: Joe what are we gonna do you said you were gonna shut down the virus and you haven’t. The public are starting to notice
JB: I know I know, the son of a bitches just won’t take the damn vaccines
KH: <weird and awkward chuckle>
JB: Maybe I can shut down something else?
KH: the borders?
JB: no, no something important
KH: <blank stare, starts humming The Love Boat>
JB: I know! Cancer! I’ll shut down cancer. No President has ever done that, right?
KH: <claps hands> yay no more cancer
JB: <blank stare, starts humming The Love Boat>