This Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2014 confirms a trend—ongoing for several decades now—that fewer people are dying from cancer than ever before. America's federal investment in biomedical research has fueled discoveries and insights that help us better prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. The more than 15 million cancer survivors alive today are living proof that this investment pays major dividends.
In spite of these advances, far too many Americans continue to be diagnosed and die from cancer, including those cancers in which we have made great strides. Moreover, the fact that death rates for some hard-to-treat cancers and in certain populations are still increasing only serves to strengthen our commitment to ensure access to high-quality care for anyone diagnosed with cancer. It also further ignites our resolve to find better treatments through sustained long-term, federal investment in research.
The progress described in this report clearly illustrates the immediate impact that comes with our increased knowledge about the biology of cancer. Sustaining this progress will be determined in large part by the level of federal investment in our nation's biomedical research enterprise. Without an ongoing federal commitment to cancer research, we will lose the forward momentum needed to continue to deliver new treatments for all people with cancer. Our patients cannot afford to wait.
Editor's note: Visit ASCO in Action to learn more about ASCO's advocacy efforts for federal funding for cancer research.
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