Cancer Prevention Strategies Research Articles

Impact of the Coronavirus disease pandemic on early breast cancer

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation, treatment, and survival of patients with early breast cancer (Stage I–III).MethodsThis study utilized data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020. Patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer in 2020 were compared to those diagnosed in 2018 or 2019. The primary outcomes were stage distribution and changes in the treatment modalities for early breast cancer. The secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS).ResultsWe analyzed 142,038 patients. There has been a decrease in breast cancer diagnoses in 2020, as well as the smaller number of surgeries. The distribution of breast cancer stages among patients exhibited a notable shift in 2020, with a decrease in the proportion of Stage 0-I and an increase in advanced-stage. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) performed in 2020. The proportion of patients undergoing radiation decreased, while that of chemotherapy cases increased significantly in 2020. Patients showed a shorter treatment delay in 2020 than in 2018 or 2019 (2018: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.969, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.956–0.982, p < 0.001; 2019: HR=0.959, 95% CI = 0.946–0.972, p < 0.001). Diagnosis in 2020 showed a significant correlation with worse OS than diagnosis in 2018 (HR = 0.861, 95% CI = 0.743-0.996, p = 0.045).ConclusionWe observed a shift to advanced-stage and a change of treatment modalities of early breast cancer in 2020. The OS of patients with breast cancer was worse during the pandemic than before the pandemic. The findings could provide empirical basis for optimizing cancer prevention and control strategies in future public health emergencies.

Enhancing Public Education and Addressing Policy Gaps for Radon Exposure and Lung Cancer Risk Mitigation in Sri Lanka

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is a significant health risk attributable to its strong association with lung cancer. In Sri Lanka, public awareness of radon exposure and its health implications remains low, and there are minimal policies addressing this risk. This systematic review aimed to analyse public awareness, policy gaps, and mitigation strategies related to radon exposure and cancer risk, particularly in Sri Lanka. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched three electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for studies published since 2001, yielding 1,025 records. After screening, we included 51 articles, focussing on public awareness and policy frameworks in both developed and South Asian countries. The findings disclose significant gaps in both public knowledge and policy measures, highlighting the urgent necessity for targeted public education campaigns and development of comprehensive regulations for radon testing and mitigation. By addressing these issues, Sri Lanka can reduce the health risks associated with radon exposure and enhance its cancer prevention strategies.

Inequality in breast cancer: Global statistics from 2022 to 2050

This study evaluates the global inequalities of breast cancer incidence and mortality from 2022 to 2050 with the latest GLOBOCAN estimates. It focuses on disparities across continents, age groups and Human Development Index (HDI) levels. In 2022, Africa shows the highest positive slope values of age-standardized rates (world) of mortality vs. incidence, both for those under 40 (0.346) and those 40 and older (0.335). These values contrast with those for Asia (0.085, 0.208), Europe (0.002, −0.014), Latin America and the Caribbean (0.17, 0.303), Northern America (−0.078, −0.188), and Oceania (0.166, −0.001). In both age groups, lower HDI levels are correlated with higher slope values and vice versa. Projections to 2050 indicate significant increases in the burden of breast cancer, with persistent yet varied disparities and differences. This highlights the need for differentiated strategies in breast cancer prevention, early-stage diagnosis, and treatment.

Optimizing the production of recombinant human papilloma virus type 52 major capsid protein L1 in Hansenula polymorpha

Cervical cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer among women globally, with Thai women ranking it as the third most common. At present, a prophylactic vaccine, containing virus-like particles (VLPs) of HPV L1 capsid protein, is widely recognized as one of the major prevention strategies for cervical cancer. Unfortunately, due to a low cross-protection among subtypes, protection against each HPV subtype requires vaccination with VLPs of that specific subtype. This study aimed to optimize the cultivation medium and conditions to maximize the volumetric yield of HPV52 L1 protein produced by the recombinant H. polymorpha HPV52. The results revealed that supplementation of a complex organic nitrogen source HySoy (at 10 g/L) into SYN6 medium resulted in a significantly higher specific HPV52 L1 yield and the maximum specific and volumetric HPV52 L1 protein yield were obtained at 30℃. In this study, the volumetric yield of HPV52 L1 could be increased from 50.9 mg/L in flask-scale cultivation to 2728 mg/L in High Cell Density Cultivation or HCDC (53-folds) with a significant improvement in terms of productivity, from 0.85 mg/L.h in flask-scale cultivation to 22.7 mg/L.h in HCDC (27-folds).

The association between metabolic syndrome and lung cancer risk: a Mendelian randomization study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely linked to cancer development, with emerging evidence suggesting its association with pulmonary carcinoma. However, causal relationships remain unclear due to observational study limitations. Employing Mendelian randomization, we investigated the causal link between MetS and lung cancer (LC) susceptibility. The data utilized in this study were obtained from the publicly available genetic variation summary database. The causal relationship was assessed using the inverse variance weighting method (IVW), weighted median method, and MR-Egger regression. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to confirm the robustness of the findings. Furthermore, risk factor analyses were conducted to explore potential mediators. Utilizing various analyses, MetS demonstrated a significant positive association with LC (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.09–1.37, p = 7.57 × 10− 4), lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) (OR, 1.47; 95%, 1.23–1.75, p = 2.22 × 10− 5), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.37–2.26, p = 8.20 × 10− 6) but not lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.94–1.24, p = 0.28). Risk factor analyses indicated that smoking, alcohol, body mass index, education, and type 2 diabetes might mediate the association. This study genetically validates and reinforces the evidence of MetS increasing the incidence of LC, including both LUSC) and SCLC, especially among individuals with abdominal obesity. It provides valuable insights for the development of lung cancer prevention strategies and directions for future research.

Projected epidemiological trends and burden of liver cancer by 2040 based on GBD, CI5plus, and WHO data

Incidence of liver cancer as one of the most common cancers worldwide and become the significant contributor for the mortality among cancer patients. The disease burden, risk factors, and trends in incidence and mortality of liver cancer globally was described subsequently estimated the projections of liver cancer incidence or mortality by 2040. Data regarding age-standardized incidence and mortality rates for liver cancer was obtained from multiple databases, including GLOBOCAN 2020, CI5 volumes I–XI, WHO mortality database, and Global Burden of Disease (GBD)-2019. Concentrating on worldwide variations, this thorough analysis offers insights into patterns of incidence and mortality based on gender and age. Our findings encompass significant indicators, including age-standardized rates (ASRs), average annual percentage change (AAPC), and future projections extending up to the year 2040. Liver cancer holds the sixth position in terms of most frequently diagnosed cancers and stands as the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2020, accounting for 905,677 new cases and 782,000 fatalities. Additionally, liver cancer contributed to 12,528,421 age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), with an age-standardized DALYs rate of 161.92 in 2019 worldwide. The age-specific incidence rates exhibited significant variations across different regions, showing a fivefold difference in males and females. A significant increase in incidence was observed in North Europe and Asia, while North African countries reported a higher mortality burden (ASR, 10 per 100,000) compared to developed countries. Since last few years, the incidence and mortality rates have increased and attained Annual Average Percentage Change (AAPC) incidence rate of 7.7 (95% CI 3.9–11.6) for men and the highest AAPC mortality rate of 12.2 (95% CI 9.5–15.0) for women. In 2019, Western Europe emerged as the high-risk region for DALYs related to smoking and alcohol consumption, while high-income North America carried a high risk for DALYs associated with a high body-mass index. The projected trend indicates a surge in new liver cancer incident cases, expected to rise from around 905,347 to an estimated 1,392,474 by 2040. This study described the evidence pertinent to higher incidence trends in liver cancer, particularly among both young and older adults, encompassing males and females, as well as those who are HIV-infected and HBsAg positive. A significant rise in the young population poses a significant public health concern that warrants attention from healthcare professionals to prioritize the promotion of health awareness and the development of effective cancer prevention strategies, particularly in many developing countries.

Spatial Analysis of Lung Cancer Patients and Associated Influencing Factors from the Perspective of Urban Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Jiangsu Province, China

With global environmental changes, lung cancer has become one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, posing a significant public health challenge. Jiangsu Province, located in the eastern part of China, is an economically and socially developed region. According to the latest cancer registration data in Jiangsu Province, lung cancer ranks first in both incidence and mortality of cancer in the province. Thus, studying the spatiotemporal distribution of lung cancer cases and analyzing the influence of various factors on this distribution are crucial for the effective prevention and control of the disease in Jiangsu Province. This study takes the statistical data of lung cancer patients in Jiangsu Province in 2020 as the research object, uses Geographic Information System (GIS) visualization and spatial analysis to study the spatial distribution characteristics of lung cancer patients in Jiangsu Province, and employs the geographical detector to numerically express the impact of various environmental factors on the distribution of lung cancer patients in Jiangsu Province. The results reveal a notable spatial clustering of lung cancer cases, with high-incidence areas concentrated in Suzhou, Nanjing, and Xuzhou cities. Among the seven environmental factors examined, PM2.5, SO2, and PM10 concentration exert the most significant influence. This study employs multifactorial spatial analysis to elucidate the intricate relationships between people’s health and air quality, medical resource distribution, and lung cancer incidence in the process of pursuing sustainable development in cities and provides an important reference for the improvement in lung cancer prevention and control strategies.

Targeted Sonodynamic Therapy Platform for Holistic Integrative Helicobacter pylori Therapy.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a primary pathogen associated with gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric cancer. The increase in resistance to antibiotics, along with the adverse effects caused by complicated medication protocols, has made the eradication of H. pylori a more formidable challenge, necessitating alternative therapeutics. Herein, a targeted nanoplatform is reported based on sonodynamic therapy, the chitosan-conjugated fucose loaded with indocyanine green (ICG@FCS). It penetrates the gastric mucosa and homes in on H. pylori through dual targeting mechanisms: molecular via fucose and physical via ultrasound. Upon ultrasound activation, it generates singlet oxygen, effectively attacking planktonic bacteria, disrupting biofilms, and facilitating the clearance of intracellular bacteria by promoting autophagy, including multidrug-resistant strains. The ICG@FCS nanoplatform minimally affects the gut microbiota and aids in gastric mucosa repair. a holistic integrative H. pylori therapy strategy is proposed that targets eradication while preserving gastrointestinal health. This strategy emphasizes the importance of maintaining patient health while eradicating the pathogen. This advancement is set to refine the comprehensive antibacterial approach, offering a promising horizon in the ongoing battle against antibiotic resistance and more effective gastric cancer prevention strategies.

Abstract A066: Could ancestry play a role in cancer development? Insights from a risk assessment and early detection test of naturally occurring cancers in companion dogs

Abstract Companion dogs have a lifetime cancer risk similar to that of humans. This excess risk, as compared to what is seen in other species, seems to be due to our recent success in outliving our evolutionarily adapted lifespan. For cancers to develop, a cancer-permissive environment must be present, which may exist months or even years before a tumor becomes detectable. We have developed the Shine On Suspicion (SOS) test; a flow cytometry based test to detect these changes that lead to a cancer-permissive environment. To make this test actionable, we combined it with eBAT, a novel bispecific ligand-targeted toxin that targets emerging cancer cells and the inflammatory niche to disrupt cancer formation. The Shine On Study used machine- learning algorithms to determine cancer risk based on a training set of 97 dogs with known conditions and a test set of 209 adult dogs with no evidence of cancer or other chronic diseases. Dogs assigned to the low-risk category had a less than 4% chance of developing cancer within 400 days after testing, whereas dogs assigned to the high-risk category had a nearly 25% chance of developing cancer in that timeframe. By 1,450 days, more than 50% of dogs assigned to the high-risk category developed cancer. Surprisingly, the SOS test’s specificity varied by breed. In Boxers and Portuguese Water Dogs the test accurately predicted the risk of hemangiosarcoma and other malignancies, whereas for Golden Retrievers, the test accurately predicted the risk for hemangiosarcoma, but no significant difference in the development of other cancers was observed between high-risk and low-risk groups. This suggests that the contribution of the cancer-permissive environment detected by the SOS test interacts with heritable factors, i.e., those defined by ancestry in creating the overall cancer risk state. To date, eBAT interception has been administered to 9 dogs, with only 1 potentially developing cancer 2 years after treatment. The drug is well-tolerated and shows promising outcomes. Future research aims to refine the SOS test, understand breed-specific responses, and explore the identity and function of niche- forming cells to improve cancer prevention strategies and their applicability to humans. Citation Format: Ashley J Schulte, Taylor A DePauw, Ali Khammanivong, Mitzi Lewellen, Lauren Burt, Rose Dicovitsky, Amber L Winter, Kathleen M Stuebner, Andrea Chehadeh, Sara Pracht, Christopher Ober, Kari L Anderson, Esther Nell, Antonella Borgatti, Michael S Henson, Erin B Dickerson, Aaron L Sarver, Daniel A Vallera, Gary R Cutter, Jaime F Modiano. Could ancestry play a role in cancer development? Insights from a risk assessment and early detection test of naturally occurring cancers in companion dogs [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr A066.

High Rates of High-Risk HPV Anal Infection and Abnormal Cytology in a Cohort of Transgender People Assigned Male at Birth

Abstract Background Transgender people assigned male at birth (TG-AMAB) have higher rates of anal Human-Papillomaviruses (HPV) infection and anal cancer compared to cisgender populations. In a cohort of TG-AMAB in Washington DC, we determined prevalence and epidemiological factors associated with anal high-risk-HPV (HR-HPV) infection and cytological abnormalities. Methods In an urban academic-community clinic we recruited adults identifying as a gender different than their sex assigned at birth. Participants provided blood samples, anal swabs for HR-HPV and cytology, and completed surveys on sexual behaviors and use of gender-affirming hormones. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of HR-HPV and abnormal cytology. Results Of 97 TG, 80 were AMAB, of whom 66% were living-with-HIV (LWH), 73% tested positive for any anal HR-HPV, and 48% had abnormal cytology. Only 24% recalled HPV immunization. While TG-AMAB LWH had increased risk of HPV16 infection (37% vs 8%, p=0.014), the prevalence of any HR-HPV (80% vs 62%, p=0.097) and abnormal cytology (56% vs 32%, p=0.085) was similarly elevated regardless of HIV status. Among TG-AMAB, estradiol use was not associated with increased odds of any HR-HPV or abnormal cytology (all p>0.05), however higher testosterone levels were associated with any HR-HPV (p=0.014). Age ≥35 years was associated with abnormal cytology in TG-AMAB (59% vs 34%, p=0.035). Conclusion TG-AMAB have high prevalence of any HR-HPV and abnormal cytology, regardless of age, HIV status, or hormone use. Given high risk for anal cancer and low rates of HPV vaccination, there is a pressing need for primary and secondary anal cancer prevention strategies targeting this population.

Causal relationship between gout and liver cancer: A Mendelian randomization and transcriptome analysis.

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis resulting from urate crystal deposition, now recognized as part of metabolic syndrome. Hyperuricemia, a hallmark of gout, is associated with various health complications, including liver cancer. Observational studies indicate a link between gout and increased cancer incidence. However, the causal relationship between gout and hepatocellular carcinoma remains uncertain. This study utilizes Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore this connection, minimizing confounding factors commonly present in observational studies. Genome-wide association study data for gout and liver cancer were sourced from the UK Biobank. We selected single nucleotide polymorphisms that are strongly associated with gout and liver cancer as instrumental variables for the analysis. We conducted 2-sample MR analysis using multiple MR methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighting, and weighted mode) to evaluate causality. Co-localization and transcriptomic analyses were employed to identify target genes and assess their expression in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. The 2-sample MR analysis indicated a significant causal relationship between gout and heightened liver cancer risk (P_IVW = .014). Co-localization analysis identified phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) as a crucial gene associated with gout (pH4 = 0.990). Transcriptomic data showed that PEMT expression was significantly higher in normal liver tissues compared to malignant samples (P < .001), and higher PEMT levels correlated with improved survival outcomes (P = .045). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed lower PEMT expression in hepatocellular carcinoma from patients with concurrent gout compared to those without (P < .05). The results indicate that gout increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, with PEMT potentially playing a key role. Although this study focused on European populations, indicating a need for further research in diverse groups, the results emphasize the potential for liver cancer screening in newly diagnosed gout patients. Understanding the relationship between these conditions may inform future clinical practices and cancer prevention strategies.

The Antipsychotic Drug Aripiprazole Suppresses Colorectal Cancer by Targeting LAMP2a to Induce RNH1/miR-99a/mTOR-Mediated Autophagy and Apoptosis.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a critical signaling hub for sustaining cancer survival. Targeting mTOR and inducing autophagic cell death downstream of it represent promising therapeutic strategies for cancer prevention. A US Food and Drug Administration-approved drug library containing 616 small molecules is used to screen anticancer drugs against colorectal cancer (CRC) cells that rely on mTOR. This led to the identification of an antipsychotic drug aripiprazole, which significantly induced mTOR inhibition and autophagic apoptosis in CRC, in vitro and in vivo. The use of drug affinity response target stability identified lysosome-associated membrane protein 2A (LAMP2a) as a direct target of aripiprazole. LAMP2a-deficient CRC cells are refractory to aripiprazole. High LAMP2a expression is associated with poor survival of patients with CRC and negatively correlated with expression of ribonuclease inhibitor 1 (RNH1), which is later confirmed as a novel substrate of LAMP2a. Mechanistically, aripiprazole bound to the Lys401-His404 of LAMP2a and repressed its activity, subsequently inactivating RNH1/miR-99a/mTOR signaling and inducing autophagy-mediated apoptosis, thereby suppressing tumorigenesis. Liposome-mediated delivery of aripiprazole in combination with fluorouracil elicited superior therapeutic benefits in CRC, as compared to single treatments, thereby highlighting that aripiprazole may be repurposed as a novel therapeutic agent for CRC treatment.

Comprehensive utilization of in silico approach and in vitro experiment to unveil the molecular mechanisms of mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced lung adenocarcinoma

Mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), the main bioactive metabolite of commonly used plasticizer Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, has received increasing attention due to its carcinogenic toxicity. This study aims to systematically explore the molecular mechanisms underlying MEHP-induced lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Firstly, network toxicology was employed to construct the interaction network of MEHP-targeted LUAD-related proteins and identify core proteins. Subsequently, functional analyses were used to determine the key pathways of these proteins enriched. Next, expression and survival analyses of multiple public datasets were conducted to emphasize the importance of core genes, and an optimized prognostic model was constructed based on independent prognostic genes to explore the relationship of gene risk with immune infiltration and immunotherapy. Ultimately, molecular docking and dynamics simulation were used to predict the binding modes and affinities of MEHP with core proteins, and surface plasmon resonance experiments were utilized to further validate their direct interactions. The findings demonstrated that MEHP targets 167 LUAD-related proteins, including 28 core target proteins. These proteins form the critical networks that regulate cancer and immune-associated pathways to induce the occurrence and development of LUAD, and further coordinate patient prognosis and treatment by altering the immune microenvironment. Most importantly, their direct interactions (especially PTGS2) lay the structural foundation of MEHP regulating core proteins, greatly supporting its LUAD toxicity. In conclusion, this study introduces a novel approach for evaluating the safety of plasticizers and elucidates the molecular mechanisms behind MEHP-induced LUAD, thus offering new and effective targets and strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.

Reduced penetrance BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variants in clinical germline genetic testing

Prior studies have suggested the existence of reduced penetrance pathogenic variants (RPPVs) in BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA) which pose challenges for patient counseling and care. Here, we sought to establish RPPVs as a new category of variants. Candidate BRCA RPPVs provided by two large clinical diagnostic laboratories were compiled to identify those with the highest likelihood of being a RPPV, based on concordant interpretations. Sixteen concordant candidate BRCA RPPVs across both laboratories were systematically assessed. RPPVs included missense, splice site, and frameshift variants. Our study establishes RPPVs as a new class of variants imparting a moderately increased risk of breast cancer, which impacts risk-informed cancer prevention strategies, and provides a framework to standardize interpretation and reporting of BRCA RPPVs. Further work to define clinically meaningful risk thresholds and categories for reporting BRCA RPPVs is needed to personalize cancer risks in conjunction with other risk factors.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of cancer susceptibility gene-specific prevention strategies for ovarian and breast cancer

Cost-effectiveness analysis of cancer susceptibility gene-specific prevention strategies for ovarian and breast cancer

Pattern Anlysis of Risk-Reducing Strategies in Unaffected Korean BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers.

The lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer increases substantially for individuals with mutations in BRCA1/2. The evidence indicates that BRCA1/2 mutation carriers benefit from early cancer detection and prevention strategies. However, data on the patterns of risk-reducing interventions are lacking. This study investigated the patterns of surveillance and risk-reducing interventions among unaffected BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. A cohort of unaffected BRCA1/2 mutation carriers was identified from the Korean Hereditary Breast cAncer (KOHBRA) study database, and a telephone survey was conducted. The survey included questions on the incidence of new cancers, patterns of cancer (breast, ovarian, prostate, other) surveillance, chemoprevention, risk-reducing surgery, and reasons for participating in risk-reducing strategies. Between November 2016 and November 2020, 192 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers were contacted, of which 83 responded. After excluding 37 responders who refused to participate, 46 participants (15 males, 31 females) were included in the analysis. The mean ± SD follow-up time was 103 ± 17 months (median 107, range 68~154), and the mean ± SD age was 31 ± 8 years. Ten BRCA1/2 mutation carriers developed breast cancer, one developed ovarian cancer, and three developed other cancers. Six BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (19.4%) underwent annual breast cancer surveillance as recommended by guidelines, while none underwent ovarian or prostate cancer surveillance. Three carriers (9.7%) used chemoprevention for breast cancer. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy was performed on only one BRCA1/2 mutation carrier. The rates of breast/ovarian cancer surveillance, chemoprevention, and risk-reducing surgery were low among unaffected Korean BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Given this cohort's relatively high risk of developing breast cancer, strategies to encourage active participation in risk reduction are needed.

Recomendaciones de prevención del cáncer. Actualización 2024

Cancer is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality. Environmental factors along with lifestyle: tobacco and alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, are some of the risk factors that have caused an increase in cancer.This article updates the evidence and recommendations for cancer prevention strategies through screening in asymptomatic patients, as well as early detection of signs and symptoms in medium-risk and high-risk populations.

Bridging the gap between toxicity and carcinogenicity of mineral fibres by connecting the fibre parameters to the key characteristics of carcinogens: A comprehensive model inspiring asbestos-induced cancer prevention strategies

Bridging the gap between toxicity and carcinogenicity of mineral fibres by connecting the fibre parameters to the key characteristics of carcinogens: A comprehensive model inspiring asbestos-induced cancer prevention strategies

2.X.2. Cancer Screening Across the Life Course and Surveillance Bias

Abstract The proposed workshop organized by the Chronic Disease EPH section will start with an overview of the impact of a life course perspective on cancer prevention and screening strategies, in the context of aging populations and fear of increasing health inequity. It will be followed by three presentations to address issues of cancer screening inequalities, low-value cancer screening, and cancer surveillance bias due to screening. Key messages • Due to population aging, the burden of cancer increases and calls for new cancer prevention and screening strategies. • Cancer screening strategies must be adapted among older adults and designed to prevent inequities.

Cancer prevention over the life course

Abstract Within a life course epidemiology framework, the etiology and prevention of cancer are informed at different ages from a social, behavioral, and biological perspective (1). Due to population aging, the burden of cancer increases and calls for new cancer prevention and screening strategies. In this introduction, we will discuss the issues of cancer screening among older adults and inequalities in screening uptake, and how vulnerable population preventive strategies can reduce these health inequities.