As our understanding of cancer evolves, the perceptions and prevailing paradigms that define this disease have also changed. The molecular basis of cancer has helped to influence oncology clinical practice; however, paradigms affect both the focus and design of research and also impact upon patient care. A clear recognition of how these varying perceptions of cancer affect and limit communication among the cancer-related disciplines as well as between these disciplines is needed. Both professionals and the general public should consider cancer as a group of diseases for which cure is related to tumor type, stage and available treatment.
