Cancer prevention and screening in light of health promotion and prevention of disability for the second 50 years. A report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science.

Abstract

Increased attention is needed to the prevention of disability resulting from cancer in promoting the health of aged persons. This will require enhanced concern from the medical profession, the general adoption of a taxonomy of disability, and more efficient use of health-care resources. Little is known in quantitative terms of the relative effectiveness (for example, as measured by Quality Life Years) and costs of health-care interventions that reduce disability resulting from cancer. Considerable research will be needed on outcome benefits to make possible rational allocation decisions.