The Cause of Cancer

To any one who is familiar with the long years of research in the domain of the etiology of neoplasms and who is conversant with the literally enormous literature to which the subject has given rise, the headline of these comments will not awaken any undue enthusiasm. The fundamental problem of the cause of cancer, a theme of undisputed medical importance, has not yet been solved, nor is the “facile triumph” in sight. One may measure the gradual gains of knowledge on this subject in the course of years; but there is great danger that the innumerable failures and disappointments encountered in cancer research thus far may overbalance the successes to the extent of discouraging the co ntinuance of the attack on the unknown with renewed vigor and persistence.
Source: JAMA - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research