Demystifying the black box: from ignorance to observation to mechanism in cancer research.

The article discusses the concept of "black box" research in cancer epidemiology, which involves using observational studies to identify risk factors for cancer without any preconceived notions about the underlying mechanisms. This approach has been successful in identifying and modifying risk factors such as tobacco smoking, leading to a decrease in cancer incidence. However, there are still unknown modifiable factors contributing to cancer, and new technologies and methods are being used to study the molecular basis of cancer. The article emphasizes the need for collaboration between epidemiologists, clinicians, molecular biologists, and data scientists, as well as the importance of tissue banks and global inclusivity in research networks. [Extracted from the article]