Promoting Evidence-Based Science Within and Beyond Our Profession

Promoting Evidence-Based Science Within and Beyond Our Profession

Jonathan S. Berek, MD, MMedSc, FASCO

Feb 26, 2014
Welcome to thefirst of our AnnualMeeting issues,focusing on theEducational Program;2014 promisesto be a big year. As we await thepresentation of some of the top sciencein our field, as well as prepare toshare the latest in best practices forclinical oncologists, we also celebrateASCO’s 50th anniversary and the progresswe have collectively made againstcancer, which has resulted in improvedcare and outcomes for patients . . . andyet, as ASCO President Dr. CliffordHudis notes in his column, there’s stillmuch work to be done.

Part of that work is communicatingto a wider audience—both the generalpublic and those who determineour political realities—why evidence-basedscience, aggressive fundingof research, quality clinical practicemeasures, and preserving value whileaddressing the escalating costs of careare critical if we are to continue tomake strides in eradicating this terribledisease.

That is why this year’s theme for the Meeting, “Science and Society,” strikessuch a chord. We are in themidst of a genomic revolution, as wellas the era of “big data”—both complicatedarenas that require oncologiststo understand the topics themselves,as well as communicate them topatients and those who control funding.We are deep into the information age,including social media, which elevatesthe need for oncology professionalsto promote quality science in a worldruled by sound bites and often awashin misinformation. As we addressdisparities in care and outcomes andthe growing global burden of cancer,we also see a need for improved connectionand communication with our“global society”—sharing resourcesand knowledge, expanding training andopportunities, and uniting governmentsand institutions. ASCO’s Annual Meetingprovides an opportunity to addressall of these goals and more.

Despite the challenges ahead, it canbe rewarding to reflect on the changesand achievements we have collectivelyexperienced over the years. Pleasesee our preview of the 50 Oncology Luminaries series, as well asour article on the “Transformation of Oncology Practice.” As always, thank you for reading.

Reprinted from the March 2014 ASCO Connection ‘From the Editor’ column.

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