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The article reports on the projected increase in medical expenses of U.S. cancer patients to more than 173 billion U.S. dollars by year 2020. It examines the contribution of treatment duration and prices of anticancer drugs that limit the number of people with access to health benefits. It explores a challenge to oncologists to help reduce the cost of medical expenses through choice of drugs, type of support therapy and limitations of imaging procedures and hospitalizations.

The article discusses the role of physicians in talking with patients about dying. It recommends self-deception as a valuable personal coping tool because it allows a person to aspire to significance and strive for new knowledge. It references a study which found that the majority of patients with metastatic lung cancer or colorectal cancer felt that their treatment course will cure them. The article encourages physicians to help patients deal with their terminal illness effectively.