Globally, there are an estimated 24.5 million people living with a history of cancer and approximately  10 million cancer survivors in the United States. Advances achieved in the last part of the 20th century in the way cancer is diagnosed and treated have led to more people being cured of or living long periods of time free of their disease. With the number of cancer survivors on the rise, unique issues emerge. These include new medical, social, and political challenges to determine how to best reduce suffering and promote long-term quality of life-the "science" of living beyond cancer.

Over the last decade, NCI has supported research by a growing number of doctors and scientists committed to understanding the needs of people with cancer. The NCI Office of Cancer Survivorship conducts and supports research that both examines and addresses the long- and short-term physical, social and economic effects of cancer and its treatment among pediatric and adult survivors of cancer.

To highlight survivorship, this issue of BenchMarks carries an interview with two key NCI experts to learn more about palliative care, a growing research area that focuses on improving the quality of life of all people living with cancer and their families.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) funds dozens of clinical trials related to palliative care. The variety and scope of these trials reflect the important role palliative care plays in a cancer patient's life from the moment of diagnosis and throughout the cancer trajectory. Whether investigating new drugs to control pain, testing for possible neurological effects of chemotherapy, or researching quality of life issues among cancer survivors, NCI is investigating ways to eliminate suffering due to cancer.