We may never cure cancer, but we will end cancer deaths

Immunotherapy has become a hot topic in cancer treatment. It works by making the body’s own immune system attacks cancer cells and it is one of many alternatives to conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

“With all the new technologies and discoveries that are occurring, the chance of making a decent leap forward is increasing. I’m more optimistic now that cancer will become a chronic disease than I’ve been previously,” says Olsen.

Forty years ago, he says, around 35 per cent of patients were still alive five years after their diagnosis. Today, that number is around 60 to 65 per cent.

“So it’s moving in the right direction and the improvements are happening faster and faster,” says Olsen.

But even this is still a long way off.