• Question: Do you think there will be a cure for cancer within the next 5 years?

    Asked by tinkerbell to Andrew, Ben, Heather, Louisa on 24 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Louisa Chard

      Louisa Chard answered on 23 Jun 2010:

      Hi. I don’t think there will be one cure for all cancers ever, but I think there will be cures for lots of different ones or at least good treatments that significntly enhance lifespan. This is because there are so many different sort of cancer that behanve very differently at different stages. They can also behave differently and respond differently in different people. In the last 5 years we have seen huge progress in this field, with very effective treatment for some kinds of breast cancer, and even a vaccine for cervical cancer coming through and I am confident that this progress will proceed for the next 5 years as we lern more about cancer and how it develops.

    • Photo: Heather McKee

      Heather McKee answered on 23 Jun 2010:

      Somehow I trhink a direct ‘cure’ may be more than a couple of years down the line. However with the massive gains scientists have made in treatment and diagnosis over the last decade have saved many lives. Detection and treatment at early stages has increased chances of survival tenfold. Also the use of mobile screening units has enhanced accessibility for many of those who are isolated who would otherwise be unaware of their illness. With further investment in screening and awareness I would hope that advances in detection and treatment will continue to grow and thus enable us to save many a life!

    • Photo: Andrew McKinley

      Andrew McKinley answered on 23 Jun 2010:

      I’m not sure – I don’t know much about this area, but I don’t think there will be a definite ‘cure’ for cancer in the next 5 years. Ultimately, I think cancer will become a disease that is treatable and that we live with, rather than being properly cured – a bit like diabetes. It also depends on where the cancer is and how strong the cells are. I think other people are better to answer this, as I am just putting forward an opinion rather than an evidence based arguement!

    • Photo: Ben Still

      Ben Still answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      Huge scientific advancement usually takes just that one genius. I am not up to date with Cancer research, but I know there are 100’s of scientists world wide working on a cure. With an army of clever people like that, and so many more interested in the field, then hopefully it won’t be too much longer until there are cures for some cancers.

      There is already a jab that women can get to protect them from cervical cancer, which is a amazing leap forward.

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