James Ewing (1866-1943): "the chief"

"It is a growing conviction that to know cancer in man, one must study the disease most carefully in the human subject. Personally, I do not look for any startling advances or sensational discoveries, since it is much more likely that a steady reduction in the mortality from cancer will come chiefly from a large number of separate factors, of which the most significant appear to be increased control of the conditions leading to cancer, more general recognition of the preliminary stages of the disease, early diagnosis, and treatment of the established disease. From the consideration of these various functions of the modern cancer research hospital, I think that it must be evident that such an institution not only can justify its existence, but fills a very urgent need without which, progress of cancer research would be handicapped, and much relief that might early be extended to cancer victims would be unavailable. Nor is there any doubt that the function of supporting such an institution is properly exercised by the State, which support should be continuous and liberal"--James Ewing [2].