ASCO Relaunches Cancer Progress Timeline, Highlights Research Supported by Federal Funding

Feb 26, 2018

ASCO has relaunched its Cancer Progress Timeline with new and more recent milestones in cancer research, with a focus on federally funded research. Originally unveiled in 2011 to commemorate the signing of the National Cancer Act of 1971, the timeline is an interactive, data-rich resource that provides a historical overview of major advances in cancer that have led to better patient outcomes and quality of life.

In addition to a Major Milestones timeline, which highlights some of the most important advances across cancer care and research, the Cancer Progress Timeline includes 18 separate timelines for specific types of cancer and seven timelines for types of care. Browse key advances specific to each type of cancer, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and pediatric cancers, and explore the history of advances in chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and quality of life, among others.

Additionally, the timeline now highlights milestones that stemmed from research funded at least in part by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) or other federal agencies. More than 150 milestones noted in the timeline were supported by federal research funding, which comprise many of the biggest advances of the last several decades, including:

  • Establishing that human papillomavirus is a major cause of cervical cancer
  • Developing a life-extending treatment that effectively targets an aggressive blood cancer
  • Helping women survive breast cancer without disfiguring surgery
  • Proving that post-surgical chemotherapy can benefit patients with a range of cancers

The progress shown on the timeline illustrates the need for continued funding for the NCI to support breaking research to advance cancer care and outcomes for patients with cancer.

Find the updated Cancer Progress Timeline on ASCO.org.


Advertisement
Back to Top