Advances in Cancer Research: Should More Money Be Spent on Prevention?

Since President Richard M. Nixon launched the nation's war on cancer 25 years ago, more than $25 billion has been spent fighting the disease. While scientists' understanding of the biology of cancer has greatly expanded, cancer incidence and mortality rates have continued to climb, prompting some observers to question whether research funds are being spent wisely. Many experts are confident that exciting advances in the laboratory will soon lead to powerful new treatments, but others say it is time to shift more money into preventing the disease in the first place. The debate has particular resonance in the 1990s, as budgets are cut and increasing criticism is directed at the National Cancer Institute, which coordinates U.S. anti-cancer efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]