Trailing the Path to Preventive Oncology

The document discussed preventive oncology, emphasizing that 50% of cancers were preventable through modifiable risk factors such as high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use. It highlighted the importance of lifestyle modifications, reducing carcinogen exposure, and vaccinations against HPV and HBV. Screening and early detection were crucial for various cancers, with specific recommendations for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers. For instance, annual mammography starting at age 40 was recommended for breast cancer, and low-dose CT scans for high-risk smokers for lung cancer. The document also reviewed the economic impact of cancer, the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination, and the role of genetic counseling and prophylactic surgeries in high-risk individuals. Advances in molecular biology and new technologies were noted as promising for early diagnosis and prevention.