Integrating science and human values for cancer patient care

Abstract

The burden of cancer continues to increase globally, with substantial personal, societal, and economic con-sequences. Population growth and aging underlie this increase—a reflection of the effect of population health interventions in the last two centuries. Much of this gain has come through observation, derivation of evi-dence, and rigorous application of valid science to the public, both healthy and affected by diseases such as cancer. Increasingly, molecular medicine will affect the knowledge of cause and the personalization of therapy. However, science informs the decision-mak-ing process and places evidence within the beliefs of individuals and society as they relate to innovation, judg-ment, and values—the “logic” underlying alignment of conventional and complementary (holistic) care as a basis for compelling, consistent, and confident decisions.