Welcome to The Cancer Care Issue of MD-Update

The “War on Cancer” began with the National Cancer Act (NCA) of 1971, a federal law that was intended to “amend the Public Health Service Act to strengthen the National Cancer Institute in order the more effectively carry out the national effort against cancer.” The NCA was signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 23, 1971. “Moonshot 2.0” is the name given to President Joe Biden’s initiative to reduce cancer death by 50% over the next 25 years. Death by cancer is still the second highest cause of death in the U.S. next to heart disease, according to the CDC. Kentucky has the unenviable position of second highest mortality rate by cancer at 176.1 per 100,000 persons, next to Mississippi at 178.8. A recurring theme in this issue of MD-Update is the high value of clinical trials that propel advancement in cancer vaccines and the role of the immune system in remission. Those clinical trials, with national impact, are being held at the UK Markey Cancer Center, the UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, and the Norton Cancer Institute. The patients, the oncologists, and laboratory researchers in Kentucky will be instrumental in winning the war on cancer.

Bon Voyage to Dr. Rebecca Booth

I’ve spoken with Dr. Rebecca Booth, OB-GYN, co-managing partner at Women First of Louisville, many times over the last 15 years of publishing MD-Update. Dr. Booth, as her patients and colleagues know, is passionate about women’s health. She is retiring from active medical practice at the end of 2024. She will not be idle, as she plans to continue writing, teaching, and speaking out on women’s health issues. Our story on Dr. Booth begins on page 13. I invite you to enjoy reading about a doctor’s life well lived, serving others.

Biking to Beat Cancer

Another of our physicians in this issue, Dr. Laila Agrawal with Norton Cancer Institute, is fighting against cancer on multiple fronts. Agrawal is a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer. She also works with women’s sexual health during and after treatment. An active woman with daughters and a physician husband, she takes her message across the country to conferences and is active in the local Louisville community.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The 2025 MD-Update editorial calendar is on the preceeding page. When you see your specialty, contact me. If your specialty isn’t included, and you have a story to tell, that’s another reason to call me. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.