TIME100 Health Panelists Talk ‘Curing Cancer'
Sara Sidner, anchor and senior national correspondent for CNN, told the audience at the TIME100 Health Impact Dinner on Tuesday night that she did 16 rounds of chemotherapy after she was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2023—and worked the entire time through it. The room erupted into loud applause.
'It is possible to live your life while trying to kill cancer,' Sidner said. 'We've come such a long way, and I just quickly want to say to this room: whoever is in this room that is a nurse, a doctor, a physician, a researcher, someone who is creating drugs for us—thank you. Thank you for the research. Thank you for your work; we need it so, so much.'
Sidner was joined onstage by Dr. Vinod Balachandran, surgeon-scientist and director of the Olayan Center for Cancer Vaccines at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Victor Bulto, president of the U.S. unit for Novartis, which sponsored the event in New York City. The three appeared on a panel moderated by TIME senior health correspondent Alice Park to discuss the groundbreaking innovations in cancer detection, treatment, and prevention—and the research that still needs to be done.
Sidner, who is a 2025 TIME Closers honoree, said she hadn't always planned on publicly sharing her cancer diagnosis. But when she learned she had stage III breast cancer, she realized she wouldn't be able to keep it a secret from everyone.
'You have spent your life telling other people's stories—maybe this is something you need to tell, and tell it in a really honest, sometimes embarrassing, way. Tell people what it's like going through this journey,' she recalled thinking.
Balachandran, who is a 2025 TIME100 Health honoree, called cancer 'the most urgent health crisis of our lifetime.' In the United States, one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer during their life, according to the American Cancer Society.
Part of what's challenging, he said, is that cancer is 'an intelligent cell that is constantly programmed to evolve.'
'We have historically been treating it with drugs that do not evolve with an evolving cancer,' Balachandran said. 'Even though cancer is intelligent, we do not fight it with a medicine that is intelligent. We've always envisioned developing intelligent medicines to diagnose and treat cancer, but we have not really been able to achieve this goal.'
Now, though, Balachandran said he thinks the health industry has made progress on this. New technologies, including AI, and research advancements—such as understanding how the immune system recognizes cancer—could help medical providers diagnose cancer earlier and treat cancer more effectively, Balachandran said. Balachandran has used mRNA technology to create personalized vaccines that research has indicated could boost patients' immune systems to help treat pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
Bulto said that it's imperative to continue making grounds on the medicine but also on understanding the patient experience.
'On the one hand, we have a lot to do on the science front, but also, the more we learn about the science, the more we are learning … that we have to become as good or as innovative in how we bring those medicines to patients as how innovative the medicines themselves are,' Bulto said. 'We have spent a lot of time trying to understand the lived experience of patients, the felt experience of patients.'
He said that whatever innovations are developed for cancer treatment, it's critical to ensure they're distributed to all patients who need them—whether they live in New York City or in a rural community.
At the same time that advancements are being made in the cancer field, research funding through the U.S. National Institutes of Health is at risk under the Trump Administration. Despite that, Balachandran said he is 'optimistic.'
'We've made so much progress, so it's really hard to stop this level of progress when results are really transformative and really sort of ushering in a next era of cancer care,' he said. 'If they work, how could you not support it? Because cancer is something that affects all of us.'
To close out the discussion, Park asked the panelists: will we cure cancer?
Balachandran replied immediately: Yes.
'We already are curing cancer,' he said. 'The question is: how more can we cure cancer, and how more effectively can we cure cancer, and how more simplistically can we cure cancer with less side effects or less medication, and for whom, and for more people?'
'The next revolution of cancer care is really about expanding access to more patients, expanding more treatments with less side effects for people,' he continued.
Sidner and Bulto said they agreed with Balachandran, but Sidner added that it was critical to ensure that cancer is cured equitably. She pointed out that Black women are nearly 40% more likely than their white counterparts to die from breast cancer.
'Something's wrong there,' she said. 'And so for whom will cancer be cured is a huge question that needs to be addressed.'
The TIME100 Impact Dinner: Leaders Shaping the Future of Health was sponsored by Novartis and FIGS.
Contact us at letters@time.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
More measles exposures are happening at airports and tourist destinations. Here's what travelers need to know
More than 1,100 measles cases have been reported in the United States this year, and the highly contagious virus has put people at risk while they wait in ERs and doctor's offices — but also at a Shakira concert in New Jersey, at a mall in Minnesota, at a Buc-ee's store in Texas and in airports and planes in several states. 'Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events,' the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a recently updated travel notice. 'Infected travelers can bring the disease back to their home communities where it can spread rapidly among people who are not immune.' It's a situation that may feel unfamiliar for US travelers. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the US due to highly effective and coordinated vaccination efforts. That year, only 85 cases were recorded, all of which were imported. But at least 1,157 measles cases have been reported this year, according to a CNN tally using data from state health departments. Only one other year since 2000 has had more cases: 2019, when there were 1,274. The vast majority of this year's cases have been part of an ongoing multistate outbreak centered in West Texas. The outbreak appears to be stabilizing, but there is growing concern around the risk of additional spread due to summer travel, said Lori Tremmel Freeman, chief executive officer for the National Association of County and City Health Officials. At the epicenter of the measles outbreak in Gaines County, 'that community has either become immune by contracting measles and developing immunity from the disease, or in some cases, they've gotten vaccinated,' Freeman said, but she added that 'there's a cautionary tale,' because of summer travel. 'Heavy travel is anticipated,' she warned. 'The travel spread could continue throughout the rest of the country as these groups become mobile and still carry the disease.' The CDC's health notice emphasizes that all international travelers should be fully vaccinated with the recommended two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and that infants ages 6 months to 11 months who are traveling should receive an extra dose. Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, said this recommendation for infants was also given by the Texas Department of State Health Services in the 10 counties that have seen increased measles transmission during this year's outbreak. 'That means, then, that you're going to wind up giving three doses instead of two doses. Usually, you give one dose [to children between] 12 to 15 months, a second dose at 4 to 6 years [old]. Now, you're going to give three doses,' he said. But he emphasized that that this extra dose is still safe: 'The MMR vaccine is one of the safest vaccines we know.' Neither the Texas health department nor the CDC recommends the MMR vaccine for adults born before 1957, Hotez notes, riding on the assumption that measles exposure was common in the first half of the 20th century and that exposure would have led to enduring immunity. However, there are exceptions for health care workers serving a measles outbreak area, for whom two MMR doses are recommended regardless of birth year. Hotez highlights that vaccine recommendations may change as outbreaks continue, stressing the importance of staying aware of updates from local health officials. The MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, infants younger than 6 months and people who have severely weakened immune systems. Although the risk of exposure is generally low, people who can't be vaccinated should speak with their doctor about their individual risk tolerance, said Dr. Scott Roberts, associate medical director for infection prevention at the Yale School of Medicine. 'A lot of this depends on their access to therapeutics at their travel destination, like are they going to an area where immunoglobulins may be available?' Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are naturally produced by the body as a part of immune responses. They play a crucial role in identifying and neutralizing foreign substances like bacteria and viruses and are specific to each pathogen. People who have a weakened immune system can get immunoglobulins, typically at a hospital or clinic, if they're exposed to measles. Historically, Roberts said, the most common source of US measles outbreaks has been non-immune US residents who traveled abroad, were exposed to the virus and then brought it back. Although some international travelers have brought measles into the US, this makes up a minority of cases. Although no country requires proof of MMR immunization for travel, Roberts advises travelers to 'double-check their immunity status before traveling internationally.' This immunity may involve a prior measles infection, birth before 1957, lab test results of measles immunity or written documentation of MMR immunization. Travelers should check their status at least 6 weeks before they leave, he said. Full immunity includes the two doses of MMR vaccine at least 28 days apart as well as the two weeks it takes to build up final immunity after the last dose. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles infection, so vaccinated travelers who suspect that they have been exposed to the virus shouldn't need to worry, Roberts said. Although that leaves a 3% chance of infection, symptoms are significantly lessened with the vaccine. If you are unvaccinated and suspect that you may have been exposed, Roberts says you should see a doctor as soon as possible. 'Depending on how soon you are after exposure, you can still do something,' he said. You may be able to get immunoglobulin or even the MMR vaccine to help lessen symptoms. Other than verifying immunity, Roberts advises typical travel guidance such as packing commonly used and prescribed medications, as well as keeping a list of hospitals or clinics at your destination and other first-aid supplies. When traveling internationally, Roberts recommends checking the country-specific travel health notices on the CDC website to stay aware of additional vaccinations and medications needed for certain destinations. Roberts advises travelers wash their hands frequently, avoid people who are sick when possible, stay in well-ventilated areas and wear masks if they are at high risk of severe illness, staying up to date with vaccinations, especially those who were unable to get vaccinated because of severe immunodeficiency. These practices don't just help prevent measles infection, they help curb infection from other circulating pathogens such as Covid-19 and the flu. Measles is one of the most contagious germs around. In one case 10 years ago, four travelers were infected by a person at the same airport gate. 'This highlights how contagious [measles] is,' Roberts said. 'Even airports and terminals are risky.' The ongoing measles outbreak is not to be taken lightly, Hotez said. 'In the 1980s, measles was the single leading killer of children globally. It [led to] 3 million deaths annually. Now, through the GAVI Vaccine Alliance and other programs, we've brought it down to around 100,000 deaths, but it's still a lot. And we're seeing what happens in West Texas. Ten percent, 20% of kids are being hospitalized, measles, pneumonia, neurologic injury. We've had over 90 hospitalizations so far in Texas and two measles deaths.'
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
CNN finds health protections for miners eroded under Trump
In just 5 months, President Trump has dismantled the safety net that for years protected miners from injury and disease. CNN's Kyung Lah traveled to coal country where miners fear the impact of the cuts.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
More measles exposures are happening at airports and tourist destinations. Here's what travelers need to know
Vaccines Children's health Aviation newsFacebookTweetLink Follow More than 1,100 measles cases have been reported in the United States this year, and the highly contagious virus has put people at risk while they wait in ERs and doctor's offices — but also at a Shakira concert in New Jersey, at a mall in Minnesota, at a Buc-ee's store in Texas and in airports and planes in several states. 'Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events,' the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a recently updated travel notice. 'Infected travelers can bring the disease back to their home communities where it can spread rapidly among people who are not immune.' It's a situation that may feel unfamiliar for US travelers. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the US due to highly effective and coordinated vaccination efforts. That year, only 85 cases were recorded, all of which were imported. But at least 1,157 measles cases have been reported this year, according to a CNN tally using data from state health departments. Only one other year since 2000 has had more cases: 2019, when there were 1,274. The vast majority of this year's cases have been part of an ongoing multistate outbreak centered in West Texas. The outbreak appears to be stabilizing, but there is growing concern around the risk of additional spread due to summer travel, said Lori Tremmel Freeman, chief executive officer for the National Association of County and City Health Officials. At the epicenter of the measles outbreak in Gaines County, 'that community has either become immune by contracting measles and developing immunity from the disease, or in some cases, they've gotten vaccinated,' Freeman said, but she added that 'there's a cautionary tale,' because of summer travel. 'Heavy travel is anticipated,' she warned. 'The travel spread could continue throughout the rest of the country as these groups become mobile and still carry the disease.' The CDC's health notice emphasizes that all international travelers should be fully vaccinated with the recommended two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and that infants ages 6 months to 11 months who are traveling should receive an extra dose. Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, said this recommendation for infants was also given by the Texas Department of State Health Services in the 10 counties that have seen increased measles transmission during this year's outbreak. 'That means, then, that you're going to wind up giving three doses instead of two doses. Usually, you give one dose [to children between] 12 to 15 months, a second dose at 4 to 6 years [old]. Now, you're going to give three doses,' he said. But he emphasized that that this extra dose is still safe: 'The MMR vaccine is one of the safest vaccines we know.' Neither the Texas health department nor the CDC recommends the MMR vaccine for adults born before 1957, Hotez notes, riding on the assumption that measles exposure was common in the first half of the 20th century and that exposure would have led to enduring immunity. However, there are exceptions for health care workers serving a measles outbreak area, for whom two MMR doses are recommended regardless of birth year. Hotez highlights that vaccine recommendations may change as outbreaks continue, stressing the importance of staying aware of updates from local health officials. The MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, infants younger than 6 months and people who have severely weakened immune systems. Although the risk of exposure is generally low, people who can't be vaccinated should speak with their doctor about their individual risk tolerance, said Dr. Scott Roberts, associate medical director for infection prevention at the Yale School of Medicine. 'A lot of this depends on their access to therapeutics at their travel destination, like are they going to an area where immunoglobulins may be available?' Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are naturally produced by the body as a part of immune responses. They play a crucial role in identifying and neutralizing foreign substances like bacteria and viruses and are specific to each pathogen. People who have a weakened immune system can get immunoglobulins, typically at a hospital or clinic, if they're exposed to measles. Historically, Roberts said, the most common source of US measles outbreaks has been non-immune US residents who traveled abroad, were exposed to the virus and then brought it back. Although some international travelers have brought measles into the US, this makes up a minority of cases. Although no country requires proof of MMR immunization for travel, Roberts advises travelers to 'double-check their immunity status before traveling internationally.' This immunity may involve a prior measles infection, birth before 1957, lab test results of measles immunity or written documentation of MMR immunization. Travelers should check their status at least 6 weeks before they leave, he said. Full immunity includes the two doses of MMR vaccine at least 28 days apart as well as the two weeks it takes to build up final immunity after the last dose. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles infection, so vaccinated travelers who suspect that they have been exposed to the virus shouldn't need to worry, Roberts said. Although that leaves a 3% chance of infection, symptoms are significantly lessened with the vaccine. If you are unvaccinated and suspect that you may have been exposed, Roberts says you should see a doctor as soon as possible. 'Depending on how soon you are after exposure, you can still do something,' he said. You may be able to get immunoglobulin or even the MMR vaccine to help lessen symptoms. Other than verifying immunity, Roberts advises typical travel guidance such as packing commonly used and prescribed medications, as well as keeping a list of hospitals or clinics at your destination and other first-aid supplies. When traveling internationally, Roberts recommends checking the country-specific travel health notices on the CDC website to stay aware of additional vaccinations and medications needed for certain destinations. Roberts advises travelers wash their hands frequently, avoid people who are sick when possible, stay in well-ventilated areas and wear masks if they are at high risk of severe illness, staying up to date with vaccinations, especially those who were unable to get vaccinated because of severe immunodeficiency. These practices don't just help prevent measles infection, they help curb infection from other circulating pathogens such as Covid-19 and the flu. Measles is one of the most contagious germs around. In one case 10 years ago, four travelers were infected by a person at the same airport gate. 'This highlights how contagious [measles] is,' Roberts said. 'Even airports and terminals are risky.' The ongoing measles outbreak is not to be taken lightly, Hotez said. 'In the 1980s, measles was the single leading killer of children globally. It [led to] 3 million deaths annually. Now, through the GAVI Vaccine Alliance and other programs, we've brought it down to around 100,000 deaths, but it's still a lot. And we're seeing what happens in West Texas. Ten percent, 20% of kids are being hospitalized, measles, pneumonia, neurologic injury. We've had over 90 hospitalizations so far in Texas and two measles deaths.'
