Will there be a cure for cancer in our lifetime?

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - "Cancer" is a word that can strike fear in the bravest of souls.

Cancer is a disease of  aging, and as healthcare in general improves, people are living longer. With each passing year, our chances of getting cancer increases. When it comes to fighting the disease, we are lightyears ahead of where we were 20 years ago.

But what about a cure?

During his State of the Union address, President Obama launched what he called "a moon shot" national initiative to hasten a cure for cancer. He appointed Vice President Joe Biden to head a new task force, the goal to eradicate cancer in the next five years.

Dr. Barrie Bode, chair of Northern Illinois University's Department of Biological Sciences, has been working for the past two decades to develop therapies to fight cancer. He joined us LIVE on FOX 32 News at Noon to discuss if it's possible to cure cancer.