I've thought along the same lines from time to time, but then I remember that human lifespans keep increasing at a pretty good clip, so we must be doing something right. I don't think it is some big vast conspiracy that is preventing progress. Rather, it's the lack of an incentive. There is more money to be made for scientists doing research than there is finding a remedy. Nothing against the people working in the field--it's just that the system is set up that way.

I guess a good way to tell would be to cut off all government funding for cancer research and instead offer a $100 billion reward for a cure. If a blanket cure for cancer is really out there somewhere that ought to shake it loose. I don't personally think there is but I'd like to be wrong.