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THE MARCH Task Force Report

The Founding Editors of The Oncologist are proud to share the Report from THE MARCH Task Force with its readers.

During 1998, 164 leading scientists and physicians from academic and corporate centers of excellence, cancer survivors, and advocates devoted their energy, creativity and countless hours to discuss the progress and to predict the promise and prospects for cancer research. Focusing their expertise through 13 subcommittees, these experts assessed the resources which are essential if we are to increase both the pace of discovery as well as the translation of these discoveries into clinical applications. We are indebted to Dr. Anna D. Barker and Dr. Ellen V. Sigal, who took the individual chairperson's reports and carefully crafted The Task Force Report.

The need for additional funding for cancer research and for a revitalization of our collective resolve to control and cure this disease was dramatically pronounced when tens of thousands of patients, physicians, nurses, scientists, advocates, and those wishing to hold hallow the memory of lost loved ones gathered on September 26, 1998, on The Mall in front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Under the unifying banner of THE MARCH: Coming Together to Conquer Cancer, they were united in a common cause and spoke in harmony. Intermingled amidst the throng were elected politicians and career bureaucrats. They made speeches. They also listened. They listened to patients who confront the reality of cancer on a daily basis. They listened to those who stood vigil for those whose lives were taken because current medicine failed to control or cure their disease. They saw the candles and quilts and mementos which poignantly and powerfully brought home the point that cancer can terrorize and kill in numbers which demand that it be placed on the national agenda.

These enlightened elected officials then passed legislation that increased funding for the National Cancer Institute. They made a start. But, as is the case with every great movement, constant vigilance is necessary. For cancer patients and their caregivers, militancy is a requisite for progress.

To carry this message forth, we encourage your comments. We invite your support. We need your partnership. To facilitate this, we have drafted talking points. We have also provided an example of a letter which we hope you will personalize and send to your congressman, senators, the President, and Vice President, as well as your state's Governor. Your voice really counts. In so doing, you are giving voice to those whose voices were stilled by this intolerable disease. Please do it now.

Martin J. Murphy, Jr.
Executive Editor

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