WRAL's Mask speaks at cancer summit

There are more than 12 million Americans alive today that have faced a diagnosis of cancer. Some of them have just been diagnosed, or are going through treatment, while others no longer have active symptoms of cancer or are thought to be cured.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the rate of cancer incidence and death for men and women in the U.S. has declined over time.

Despite that progress, cancer is projected to soon be become the leading cause of death worldwide. This means that nearly one out of every two American men and more than one out of every three American women will have cancer at some point during their lifetime. We all know friends and family member who have been affected by this disease.

In April, WRAL-TV Health Team correspondent Dr. Allen Mask was one of the keynote speakers at the Duke Medicine Cancer Summit 2010.

Duke Medical Center, a National Cancer Institute “comprehensive cancer center," combines cutting-edge research with compassionate care. The team of nationally recognized physicians and staff treat more than 7,000 new patients per year, which gives them the extensive experience that yields some outstanding results.

Duke's cancer center is ranked as one of the top 10 cancer hospitals in the country according to U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals" survey.

Mask said the summit was an impressive gathering of some of the top clinicians, researchers, social scientists and survivors who engaged in some enlightening workshops. The goal was to inform and inspire each other “to move forward as partners in their quest towards a future devoid of this disease.”