Cancer Biology and Cell Science

Track 15: Advancement in the field of cancer

Cancer is an increasing explanation for morbidity and mortality in most countries. It has recently overtaken heart condition because the commonest explanation for death within the uk . “Breakthroughs” in cancer research are reported regularly in the media. Some reports are supported new results that show potential for improved treatments, but others are premature or publicity seeking, and therefore the motivation behind them is questionable. The public has high expectations that basic science cancer research will translate into improved cancer cures and care. Yet awareness and understanding of the clinical trials that are essential in establishing the effectiveness of latest treatments is restricted . Recruitment to randomised clinical trials evaluating new cancer treatments is often slow, partly because people are convinced that all new treatments are likely to be an improvement and partly because of unease about the process of randomisation. Better public education about categories of evidence in reference to health interventions might contribute to speedier and more appropriate evaluation of promising treatments.