As much as I'd love open access to academic publications and don't think the current model is great:

> Think of how cancer could have been cured a decade ago if information was allowed to flow freely from the 50's forward

might be a bit fanciful? Unless you're referring to something particular I'm unaware of.

The people best equipped and trained to deliver a cure for cancer (and then some, since it tends not to be particularly field-restricred) do have access.

I think the loss is more likely in engineering (to the publication's science), cheaper methods, more reliably manufacturable versions of lab prototypes, etc.

I doubt there are many people capable of cancer research breakthroughs who don't have access to cancer research, personally.

(And to be clear: I'm not capable of it.)