Abstract IA01: The global impact of environmental carcinogenesis and interventions for prevention

Abstract

Abstract The global burden of cancer is projected to increase markedly over the next two decades, driven by population aging, population growth, and changes in exposure to known risk factors. The greatest percent increases will be in low- and middle-income countries, the majority of which currently do not have the health care infrastructure to meet this challenge. At the same time much is known about the causes of different cancer types worldwide, with the major contribution arising from environmental and behavioral factors. This recognition provides a foundation to counter the projected increases in cancer burden. However, for a number of these risk factors there remains a gap in developing preventive interventions, whereas for others interventions are available but often fail to be implemented in effective programs. In addition, the etiology of a number of common cancer types remains unexplained. Based on the projected cancer burden, the spiraling costs of therapy, and the unavailability of effective treatment in many parts of the world, prevention should be a priority in overall cancer control planning in every country. Similarly, research on cancer prevention (establishing etiology, preventive interventions and their implementation) should be better supported. To progress, cancer prevention must draw upon new knowledge on carcinogenic mechanisms and the associated technology to address knowledge gaps in innovative ways. There is a major opportunity for interdisciplinary prevention research to provide the basis for a reduction in the projected rises in cancer burden worldwide. Translation of knowledge about causes and prevention into observed reductions in cancer rates is a long and hazardous journey. Researchers should become more aware of the inherent hurdles and active opposition that lie in the way of achieving the goals of cancer prevention. Notably, the tactics of vested interests in casting doubt on the scientific evidence base for prevention should be widely disseminated and understood if researchers are to see their efforts bring benefits. Only by combining the evidence base with a well-planned strategy for implementation will the full fruits of cancer prevention research be realized. Citation Format: Christopher P. Wild. The global impact of environmental carcinogenesis and interventions for prevention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Environmental Carcinogenesis: Potential Pathway to Cancer Prevention; 2019 Jun 22-24; Charlotte, NC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2020;13(7 Suppl): Abstract nr IA01.