I think we are making great strides in 'preventing' cancer. Some cancers may never be curable BUT they may be preventable. Take for example the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine. Ovarian cancers are largely due to four specific types of HPV: HPV types 16 and 18, and also types 6 and 11. "Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA can be identified in at least 95% of dysplastic and malignant cervical lesions. HPV subtypes 16 and 18 are isolated most frequently in invasive squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, respectively." (Goldman) If all young women are vaccinated for HPV - the number of ovarian cancer victims will dramatically shrink, if not almost disappear.

Everyday researchers are finding out that viruses are one of the likely culprits behind cancer (besides diet and lifestyle choices). As these viruses are discovered - it is possible for vaccines to be developed (like the HPV vaccine) that will prevent cancer from ever occurring.

According to Molokhia and Perkins, "currently human papilloma virus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are viruses for which vaccination is indicated for cancer prevention. These viruses are causative agents for cervical and hepatic cancers, respectively. Although there are other infections that have been linked to cancer, like Epstein Barr virus as a cause of Burkitt's lymphoma and gastroadenocarcinoma and Helicobacter pylori as a causative agent in development of stomach cancer, there has yet to be approved vaccines for these agents."
Source(s):
Goldman: Cecil Medicine, 23rd ed. (2007), Chapter 209
Garcia FA - Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am - 01-DEC-2007; 34(4): 761-81
Molokhia, E. A., and A. Perkins. "Preventing Cancer." Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice 35.4 (2008): 609-23.


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