Given the increasing prevalence of the disease, this means that the potential number of people who have views and needs about cancer control is potentially huge. This consumer movement has gained strength and influence over the past few decades partly as a result of their realization that biomedical science is unlikely to produce miracle cancer cures in the near future. The consumer forum justifiably argues that since they make a substantial contribution to the funding of intiatives in the field, and it their lives that are affected, they should have a more influential role in all aspects of cancer control. The movement is increasingly critical of how care is currently provided. There is evidence that cancer patients' needs are not being met by the existing health care system.
Research also indicates their desire for more patient-centred care.
As a consequence providers and consumers are seeking new ways of entering into effective partnerships which are not only acceptable, but also produce desirable and effective results for the in-need population. Over the next decade it is expected that the explosive growth in the cancer consumer movement will continue. As a result, there will need to be efforts by providers, researchers and consumers to create new methodologies for enlisting the views and needs of cancer consumers and the development and testing of strategies designed to meet their concerns. Unless those in the field accept and effectively deal with the issues raised by the consumer group, it is not likely that we will maximize cancer control opportunities.