Why basic cancer research? AACR members explain why basic science fields such as epigenetics and nanotechnology are necessary for the treatment, prevention and cure of cancer.

Cancer Facts

The Cancer Crisis

• In the U.S., men have approximately a one-in-two lifetime risk of developing cancer and women have a one-in-three risk.
• Cancer is the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 85 and the second-leading cause of death overall.
• The risk for developing cancer increases with age. More than three-fourths (78 percent) of all cancers are diagnosed in people 55 years of age or older.
• This year, approximately 1.6 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer and about 577,190 will die of the disease.

(American Cancer Society)

Cancer Research Saves Lives

• There are nearly 12 million cancer survivors in the United States as of 2007.
• Among adults, the five-year survival rate for all cancers combined has increased 18 percent since 1975. It is now approximately 68 percent.
• The five-year survival rate for all childhood cancers combined has increased 30 percent since 1976. It is now nearly 80 percent.
• Advances made in cancer research have significant implications for the treatment of other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's, HIV/AIDS and macular degeneration.

(National Cancer Institute)

Resources:

• Facts About Cancer (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)
• What is Cancer? - A CR story about more than 100 diseases that are all called "cancer"
• Cancer Today - A quarterly magazine published by the AACR to serve as the authoritative resource for cancer patients, survivors, and their family members and friends
• A glossary of cancer research terms
• Scientists on Science - A series of lectures that break down the basics of cancer science