Will we ever win the "war on cancer"?
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Will we ever win the "war on cancer"?
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Recently there was a forum/conference which discussed the progress on the war on cancer. Generally speaking cancer will affect one in three of us, and there have been lofty ambitions not only to make
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Forums » Off duty » News & media » Will we ever win the "war on cancer"?
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Will we ever win the "war on cancer"?
posted at 30/10/2012 12:39 PM GMT
on bmj.com
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First: 7/4/2011 Last: 22/5/2013 |
Recently there was a forum/conference which discussed the progress on the war on cancer. Generally speaking cancer will affect one in three of us, and there have been lofty ambitions not only to make sure all cancers are cured but even to eradicated cancer completely. In this post I'm slightly paraphrasing the Independent story pasted below.. In the 1970s there was a US National Cancer Act which was widely perceived as a "war on cancer" and it was believed that a cure for cancer would be found within five years. (as if it was so simple) It was perhaps naively thought that man had landed on the moon, and it was only a matter of time before we stamped out cancer altogether. However, 40 years later, one cure for cancer is highly unlikely and there are now 200 types of cancer. We are seeing more cases of cancer but is this down to better diagnosis and management of the disease? Umberto Veronesi, a veteran oncologist and a former Italian health minister said perhaps a distinction needs to be made betweeb two types of war on cancer: one focused on a cure for patients and the other based on the elimination of the disease. Also, we have had the Stand Up To Cancer movement in the UK have their own charity night on Channel 4. I see that this is a charity which began in the US (hence stars such as Larry David, Jennifer Aniston) lending their support. Again, their aim is to find a cure to all cancers, and to encourage people to donate their money which will go towards research. I'm not an oncologist but cancer seems a very complicated thing and might be related to a whole range of factors: genes, lifestyle, diet, environment. We might be able to find cures for cancer but will we ever be able to completeley eliminate it? What do you think? I realise this is a bit of future-gazing, but do you think that anything is possible or do we need to accept cancer is something which is part of life?http://www.standuptocancer.org.uk/about-stand-up-to-cancer |
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Re: Will we ever win the "war on cancer"?
posted at 30/10/2012 2:58 PM GMT
on bmj.com
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Posts: 3045
First: 27/3/2012 Last: 20/5/2013 |
With advances in nanotechnology, it is quite possible that we could win the war against cancer. But it can be said surely that we will be able to cure most of cancers soon. |
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Re: Will we ever win the "war on cancer"?
posted at 31/10/2012 3:25 AM GMT
on bmj.com
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Posts: 18
First: 18/7/2011 Last: 3/1/2013 |
In my opinion Immunotherapy will offer the best results but we are a long way away from immunotherapy throughout the board. Although I don't think Immunotherapy will be used to treat large solid tumours it can be used to "mop up" after surgery. The complexity of cancer and the oppotunity to have longer term relationships with your patients is what drew me to Oncology. I was also fortunate enough to be involved in some research and I absolutely loved it. I don't suppose there are any Clinical Academic Oncologists or anyone who can offer any insight in to life? It'd be very much appreciated. Thanks, Arron. |
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Re: Will we ever win the "war on cancer"?
posted at 31/10/2012 4:35 AM GMT
on bmj.com
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Posts: 42
First: 25/1/2012 Last: 25/4/2013 |
I feel this is a wrong question to ask.It's like asking "Can we win the war againt Heart disease"or "Can we win the war against Insanity".Cancer is a process.For some cancers we know the aetiology and can take preventive measures.For others we have not a clue.Fundamental research on the cell and how its "alive" and why it misbehaves is the way to go.All the treatment modules we have in our armoury aim at killing aberrant cells,not knowing why they do so in the first place. |
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Re: Will we ever win the "war on cancer"?
posted at 31/10/2012 12:49 PM GMT
on bmj.com
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Posts: 2047
First: 12/3/2010 Last: 21/5/2013 |
As you implied, Matthew, the "War on....." philosophy just doesn't work, any more than modern military wars can solve the social and political problems that lead to conflict today. Those are endemic, and cancers are endemic. Until causes can be isolated, we canot control them any more than we can the Taliban. John |
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