Cancer prevention is a cornerstone of public health, offering immense potential to reduce the global burden of cancer. Over the years, significant progress has been made in understanding the underlying mechanisms of cancer development, identifying risk factors, and developing effective prevention strategies. This special issue focuses on the latest advances, challenges, and future directions in cancer prevention, addressing a wide range of topics from early detection to lifestyle interventions.
Chemoprevention, involving the use of pharmacological agents to inhibit cancer development, continues to show promise in reducing the incidence of high-risk cancers. Meanwhile, natural products and traditional medicine, either as standalone therapies or in combination with other approaches, are gaining recognition for their potential role in cancer prevention and treatment. Early detection and screening programs for cancers such as breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers have significantly improved survival rates by enabling timely intervention.
Emerging areas like cancer immunoprevention are harnessing the immune system's power to prevent cancer onset. Advances in genetics and biomarkers are paving the way for personalized prevention strategies by identifying individuals at heightened risk. Beyond biomedical approaches, lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and smoking cessation, remain central to reducing cancer risk. Addressing environmental and occupational exposures and mitigating the effects of carcinogens are equally critical.
This issue also explores innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in cancer prevention, demonstrating their potential to revolutionize early detection and intervention. Additionally, strategies for combating cancer-causing infectious agents through vaccination and screening are highlighted.