The Need for National Commitments to Cancer Research to Guide Public Health Investment and Practice

Authors: Edward L. Trimble, Preetha Rajaraman, Ann Chao, Thomas Gross, Carol Levin, You-Lin Qiao, Timothy Rebbeck, Lisa Stevens, Fang Zhao

Citation:

Abstract:

This chapter shows national, provincial, and state funders where the “best buys” are for cancer research so they can develop a plan to efficiently and effectively allocate resources. In 2008, the Bamako Global Ministerial Forum on Research in Health issued a Call to Action for Research on Health recommending a comprehensive approach, development of a global research agenda, capacity building, and improving equity. Priorities include (1) developing national cancer surveillance systems, (2) creating cancer registries to capture data on the burden of cancer, (3) processing biological specimens in pathology laboratories, (4) biobanking to facilitate collection and analysis of specimens, (5) applying sound epidemiologic methods, (6) conducting cohort studies, (7) communicating importance of research, and (8) implementing the science of prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Collaboration needs to occur on the international, national, local, and industrial levels. Cervical cancer provides an example of how cancer research has led to effective prevention and control by identifying HPV as a causative agent.