Most research *is* “real” research. Thousands of researchers are working to better understand cancer right now, with the goal of developing cures for it. We’ve made progress against many kinds of cancers—for example, leukemia used to be a death sentence for children, but now most children who get leukemia survive.
yes, much (not sure about “most”) research funding goes for potentially very good things
and in the medical field especially I am a big supporter!