The future of cancer control research and translation

The future holds great promise for translating advances in cancer control research to populations at risk—much is known about how to prevent cancer. Within the Institute of Medicines overall framework of assessment, policy development, and assurance, this article summarizes 10 cancer control priorities. Important themes include evaluation, cost-effectiveness analysis, shrinking the “latency period” between elucidation of preventive technologies and widespread application, coalition building, and development of adequate cancer control resources. Despite increased cancer control efforts among public health agencies over the past decade, little measurable progress has been made in reducing overall cancer mortality. A renewed commitment to controlling cancer is needed from health policy makers and even the public health community.