Abstract

Preventive measures are most successful when a definite cause of a disease is known. While the direct causes of many tumors are not known, this chapter examines the most current preventative efforts which are directed at identifying assumed unknown external carcinogens. It is thought that they access humans through the air, water, foods obtained from the environment, or from aspects of lifestyles. An overview is given of many of the confirmed and contentious issues in prevention of tumors. Environmental and occupational carcinogens are discussed, including a detailed historical perspective of confirmed human carcinogens and the development of preventive measures against exposure to such agents. Complexities of geographical, cultural, and ethnic factors are considered. Various types of studies are described, including cross-sectional, cohort, and case-controlled studies, and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of study are discussed. The current understanding of human carcinogens including pollutants, industrial chemicals and agents, tobacco smoke, and other confirmed and putative carcinogens is set out with many figures and tables to illustrate the text. Various theories of cancer prevention including diets and lifestyle behaviors and other factors are considered. Methods of testing various agents for carcinogenicity are described.

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