There is no short answer to this question, except to say
that truly stunning advances have been made in the last half century. Here are a few
areas to look at when considering this question:
1)
Pharmaceutical Research - Consider the changes in
chemotherapy and the addition of targeted radiation, both with far fewer side effects
and greater success rates. With almost every type of cancer, huge improvements in
survival rates have taken place. We also invented AIDS treatment drugs which, where
they are available, have greatly reduced the mortality rate and extended the life span
of those who are HIV positive. Hundreds more drugs have been put into the pipeline that
affect both treatment and quality of life.
2)
Immunizations - Worldwide, the number of immunizations has grown
exponentially. Diseases such as small pox have been eradicated, and the suffering from
malaria, diphtheria and meningitis greatly reduced, especially in the developing
world.
3) Physicians - As
scientific and medical knowledge advanced, so did the quality and ability of doctors.
This translates into better direct patient care, and longer life spans, not to mention
more effective preventive medicine.
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