Prognosis of common cancers.

Four cancers in each sex account for nearly 60% of all cases. Lung cancer therapy is stymied by a lack of effective agents, but can be prevented by a smoking cessation program. Breast cancer is far too prevalent, but has the best response rate to drugs and the best palliation of any of these tumours. Prostate cancer, once androgen deprivation has failed, is untreatable. Colorectal cancer therapy after years of inactivity is now exciting, while pancreas cancer remains almost untreatable. All Canadian patients should be encouraged to participate in clinical trials when appropriate.