PACE Continuous Innovation Indicators-a novel tool to measure progress in cancer treatments.

Concerns about rising health care costs and the often incremental nature of improvements in health outcomes continue to fuel intense debates about 'progress' and 'value' in cancer research. In times of tightening fiscal constraints, it is increasingly important for patients and their representatives to define what constitutes 'value' to them. It is clear that diverse stakeholders have different priorities.

New insights into public perceptions of cancer.

A survey was conducted to identify perceptions of cancer and its treatment among the general public, patients, and care givers in six countries. The purpose of the research-the PACE Cancer Perceptions Index (2012)-was to share public perspective on the progress of cancer care and treatment with stakeholders who make decisions about cancer innovation and access to treatments in order to allow patient-centric decisions. The results revealed that although understanding of cancer is increasing, a number of misconceptions persist.