Professor Chun Ju Chang, a prominent cancer biologist and educator with experience at major institutions including UCLA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, is highlighting an urgent need for stronger mentorship and education in cancer research. This call comes as the World Health Organization projects global cancer cases will reach 28 million per year by 2040, increasing pressure on research systems worldwide. Chang argues that the future of cancer science depends not just on funding and equipment, but on investing time and attention in the people conducting the research.
Research published in Nature supports this perspective, showing that early-career scientists with strong mentors are twice as likely to publish high-impact studies and remain in research roles long-term. Despite this evidence, structured mentorship remains inconsistent across institutions. Chang has observed this gap firsthand, noting that talented students often lose confidence when no one takes time to explain processes thoroughly. She believes that mentorship builds more than technical skill—it cultivates judgment, resilience, and confidence, which are essential when experiments frequently fail.
The implications of inadequate mentorship extend beyond individual careers to affect research quality and diversity. According to UNESCO, less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women, with even lower representation in senior scientific roles. Chang views mentorship as one of the most effective tools for addressing this disparity, stating that talent exists everywhere but consistent support is often missing. Well-mentored teams tend to produce clearer data, fewer errors, and stronger collaboration, directly impacting the quality and speed of cancer discovery.
Rather than focusing solely on policy reform, Chang emphasizes personal action. She encourages individuals across education, science, and the wider community to take practical steps such as encouraging curiosity in students, sharing knowledge openly—including lessons from mistakes—and offering guidance to early-career researchers even informally. She also advocates for promoting inclusive environments where different voices are valued and supporting science education through various programs. Chang believes these small actions collectively make a significant difference, potentially preventing promising researchers from leaving the field during challenging moments.
As cancer research grows increasingly complex, Chang asserts that mentorship will become even more crucial. While scientific methods and technologies will continue to evolve, the need for effective guidance remains constant. By prioritizing mentorship, the research community can better retain talent, enhance research quality, and ultimately accelerate progress against cancer—a disease whose global burden is expected to rise substantially in the coming decades.
