Cancer Care: a System in Crisis? -- Research Summary

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CANCER: Cancer is one of the deadliest and most common diseases. Cancer develops when damaged cells rapidly divide and multiply, which can form lumps or tumors. These masses often affect circulatory, nervous, and digestive systems, disrupting the functioning of these systems. Signs and symptoms will vary depending on where the cancer is. Treatment will also depend on the location of the cancer and the severity of the disease. (Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/cancer-oncology/ and http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerbasics/signs-and-symptoms-of-cancer)
TUMORS: A tumor, known as neoplasm, is an irregular mass of cells that are classified as benign, pre-malignant, or malignant. A benign tumor is a non-cancerous mass that cannot spread throughout the body. Pre-malignant tumors are often known as pre-cancerous tumors, meaning there is a good chance that they will develop into cancer cells. A malignant tumor is a cancer tumor that grows and makes the cancer worse. In some cases, these tumors cause fatalities in patients with very little notice. These types of tumors are known to spread and multiply at a quicker rate than other cells. (Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249141.php)
CANCER CRISIS: The extreme rise of cancer and flourishing costs of healthcare has created a “crisis in cancer care delivery.” The cost of cancer has almost doubled from 2004 to 2010, skyrocketing from $72 billion to $125 billion. Strategies have been recommended to improve cancer care and make it more affordable to patients. The Institute of Medicine based their strategies on improving informational technology, making cancer care affordable, engaging with patients, fielding a coordinated workforce, turning evidence into practice, and bettering evidence-based care. (Source: http://www.medpagetoday.com/HematologyOncology/Chemotherapy/41495)