Cancer control objectives for the year 2000.

A 50% reduction in the cancer mortality rate can be achieved by the year 2000. This is the stated goal of the National Cancer Institute which has set national cancer control objectives focusing on prevention, screening and detection, and treatment. Prevention in terms of reducing tobacco use and modification of diet, and state-of-the-art treatment are expected to bring about the greatest reductions in mortality. This article summarizes the deliberations and recommendations of the NCI's four working groups.