Evolution of the National Cancer Program: an American investment for conquering cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To review the legislative history of the National Cancer Program and the recent activities to invigorate the nation's battle against cancer.


METHODS
Professional journals, news articles, government reports, and web sites.


CONCLUSIONS
Thirty-one years of research that emanated from the National Cancer Act of 1971 has resulted in a National Cancer Legislation Advisory Committee to develop a comprehensive strategy that can serve as a road map for the goal of eradicating cancer as a health problem in the 21st century.


CONCLUSIONS
Health care professionals must be involved in the political process to address current and future challenges in the fight against cancer.
Hubbard
Susan Molloy
SM
CancerSource, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA.
Mayer
Deborah K
DK
DeVita
Vincent T
VT
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology