We are now beginning CURE’s fourth year, and I want to take this time to thank you for your continuing support and kind letters—and also for challenging us to constantly get better.

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship defines you as a survivor from the day of diagnosis and for the rest of your life. It’s a better term than “victim,” one that says you are not in control of your present or your future.

As the number of cancer survivors in the United States has grown to around 10 million, the issues of coping with the cancer journey have sparked an increase in interest by the cancer community, the National Cancer Institute and the media. It’s not just about surviving cancer—it’s about thriving after cancer.
And that’s what this special survivors’ issue offers.

CURE tells the story of John Cleland, who was cured of late-stage, metastatic testicular cancer when it appeared there was no hope. The joy in his story comes from the dedicated physician who oversaw his treatment and the researchers who worked tirelessly to bring the drug to the public. We all hope that another such miracle cure is just around the corner and that future issues of CURE will be telling the stories of many of you who have found a cure.

We also take you on a trek to the top of the world with a wonderful story from breast cancer survivor Malin Jennings, who looks at how a place like Greenland can provide the impetus for healing.

Our medical features include the latest in multiple myeloma and a look at cervical cancer and the virus behind the disease. Departments explore dating after cancer, life insurance issues, fear of recurrence and exercise during treatment. You will hear the voices of survivors as they weigh in on all fronts.
The CURE staff is also looking forward to 2005 because we will have a chance to meet more of you face-to-face at our Patient & Survivor Forums.

That’s right—forums. We have planned three! Dallas in April; Washington, D.C., in July; and San Diego in October. Come to one or all three.

Each forum will have a mix of medical updates on the latest treatment options and new approaches for specific cancers as well as supportive care issues, such as nausea and fatigue. The psychosocial issues covered will include spirituality, parenting and fear of recurrence, among others. We also are adding a new breakout session where we want you to share what you are doing in your community for outreach and education. Each of the three forums will have its own flavor drawn from the city where it is held. Dallas will again focus on survivor issues in its psychosocial segments. In Washington, D.C., you will hear from major advocates, and San Diego is the perfect venue for looking at complementary therapies.

Details and registration information can be found starting on page 64 and at www.curetoday.com/patientmeeting, so sign up now. Space will be limited to allow for interaction and community.

In late December, news came that a large randomized phase III trial of Iressa® (gefitinib) failed to significantly prolong survival in lung cancer patients. CURE strives to bring you news as it happens and to provide information about the successes as well as the failures in oncology. Many drugs have seen approval since CURE first began publishing in 2002, including Velcade, Avastin, Erbitux, Tarceva and Gleevec. And although Iressa may potentially become unavailable for lung cancer patients, other treatment options exist. Talk to your oncologist if you are currently taking Iressa.

—Vinay Jain, MD
Editor-in-chief