Getting Americans to Support Cancer Research May Take a New Message, Oncology Leader Says

When it comes to building support for cancer research in the current environment, “the message that we have had in our field is a good one. But we may need to craft a better message,” says Robert A. Winn, MD, director and Lipman Chair in Oncology at the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center in Richmond. Dr. Winn lays out a strategy designed to show the American public the benefits in oncology already yielded from previous investments in science, alongside what can be done if support continues. He tells Robert A. Figlin, MD, the interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Los Angeles and Steven Spielberg Family Chair in Hematology-Oncology, that “we’ve talked about the facts, but we have not been effective at telling the story of the big dream of how science could really impact lives.” From the fight for equitable access to cancer care advances to recruiting the next generation of researchers, Dr. Winn stresses that he will continue to fight for progress. “I’m going to continue to ring that bell until I can’t anymore,” he explains.

Dr. Winn reported no relevant financial relationships.

Dr. Figlin reported various financial relationships.