(Chicago, IL, Tuesday, February 4, 2020) – The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is releasing its annual report on progress against cancer, Clinical Cancer Advances 2020, on World Cancer Day, which takes place on Tuesday, February 4, 2020.
In the report, ASCO names the refinement of the surgical treatment of cancer as the “Advance of the Year.” While considerable progress in the understanding and development of systemic therapies for cancer has been made over the years, the effect of these improvements on surgical care has been seen only recently. The effectiveness of these treatments has led to reductions in the amount of surgery required for some patients, and even the need for it in others. At the same time, these advances have also increased the number of patients who can undergo surgery when needed. In particular, the emergence of novel systemic therapies – combined in news and better ways – is significantly changing the role of cancer surgery.
Other significant areas of progress featured in the report include cancer prevention, molecular diagnostics, and cancer treatments.
ASCO has issued its list of Research Priorities to Accelerate Progress Against Cancer. The priorities are intended to identify areas on which future research efforts should be focused to help accelerate progress against cancer.
Finally, the report highlights key policy issues and developments that will impact the future of U.S. cancer research and the pace of progress. ASCO urges Congress to give hope to millions of Americans with cancer by continuing to build on its investment in cancer research.
Dr. Burris can help listeners understand how the nation’s investment in cancer research has led to nearly 25 consecutive years of decline in overall incidence and mortality rates for all types of cancer.
ASCO is the world’s leading professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals caring for people with cancer. ASCO’s mission is to conquer cancer through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality patient care.