We will support the development and dissemination of interventions to reduce the adverse effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment and improve health-related outcomes for cancer patients, survivors, and their families.

NCI's Vision to eliminate the suffering and death due to cancer supports the interests of the nearly ten million cancer survivors in the United States today. While the ultimate goal of eliminating cancer entirely continues to be our long-term commitment, the capacity to dramatically reduce the suffering caused by cancer is within our immediate grasp. This is in keeping with the Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2010 goal of five-year survival for 70 percent of those diagnosed with cancer. Advances in our ability to detect, treat, and support cancer patients have turned this disease into one that is chronic or readily managed for many and curable for increasing numbers.

We are learning more about the nature and scope of problems encountered by cancer survivors. Research is enabling us to better predict who is at risk for adverse health outcomes and to develop innovative interventions for treatment effects such as fatigue, memory difficulties, mucositis, nausea, and pain. Through clinical trials, investigators are trying to identify genes, proteins, or other biological markers associated with a patient's response to treatment. The ability to use genetic signatures to recognize tumors that are likely to recur after treatment could allow doctors to tailor treatment plans accordingly, sparing patients with good prognoses unnecessary therapy.

Partnering with others will assure appropriate follow-up care and increase adherence to optimal health behaviors among survivors. Understanding the impact of cancer on family members of patients and survivors - many of whom are themselves at increased risk for cancer due to shared cancer-causing genes, lifestyles, or toxic exposures - is also essential to achieving our Vision. As cancer care migrates to the outpatient setting, the economic, physical, and emotional burden on family members is increasing. Research must equip healthcare teams to better prepare family caregivers to manage patients at home while sustaining their own emotional and physical health.

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