Introduction
Overview
The International Cancer Patient Coalition (ICPC) is launching a global survey to explore how patients, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives define and use the word “cure” in cancer. Despite major advances in treatment and survival, there is still no shared understanding of what it truly means to be “cured.”
The International Cancer Patient Coalition (ICPC) is launching a global survey to explore how patients, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives define and use the word “cure” in cancer. Despite major advances in treatment and survival, there is still no shared understanding of what it truly means to be “cured.”
Objective
The survey aims to capture how different communities interpret the concept of “cure,” what level of evidence supports its use, and how comfortable various stakeholders are applying it in research, policy, and patient communication.
The survey aims to capture how different communities interpret the concept of “cure,” what level of evidence supports its use, and how comfortable various stakeholders are applying it in research, policy, and patient communication.
Purpose
This initiative builds on discussions held during ICPC’s recent high-level event in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where global experts emphasized the need for a common language around cancer outcomes. By collecting diverse perspectives, ICPC seeks to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and patient experience, promoting clearer, more consistent, and compassionate communication about “cure.”
Outcome
Findings from this survey will inform international dialogue and contribute to ICPC’s forthcoming report and recommendations on the appropriate use of “cure” across oncology practice, research, and policy. The results will be presented in future ICPC events to continue advancing a shared understanding of what “cure” means in cancer today.
Your perspective matters, please join us in shaping a more unified and hopeful language for cancer care worldwide.