I can name eight people, off the top of my head, I've known who've had cancer. (I'm sure I could list more.) Three died, four are alive and well, and one was diagnosed last month. We're talking about a disease that would have killed all 8 a few decades ago.

Also, even if the improvements in cancer treatment are only interative (8 months instead of 3) that's still a major gain, from a research perspective. Look at HIV/AIDS; in 1985, it was an incurable and fatal disease. Due to a series iterative improvements, someone who contracts HIV today in the developed world will very likely be alive in 15 years, and by then, there may be a cure.