Epidemiology and prevention of colorectal cancer.
CRC, the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, is a highly preventable disease. Ironically, available and effective screening technologies are not consistently applied, even as new ones are developed. This discordance between preventive opportunity and practice conveys a sobering message regarding nontechnologic issues that must be addressed if the promise of CRC prevention is to be realized. Our response to this message will determine the public health impact of cancer prevention. In the 1980s, cancer chemoprevention was regarded as scientific speculation. Within the last decade, however, cancer has been recognized as a late, nonobligate stage of carcinogenesis, a chronic process that provides time and targets for preventive intervention. Further advances are emerging out of rigorous clinical testing, which remains the limiting factor in transforming ingenious concepts into useful tools for the prevention of CRC. The challenges and rewards of participation in chemoprevention research--both as patients and health care providers-have never been greater.
Hawk
Ernest T
ET
Gastrointestinal and Other Cancers Research Group, National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Prevention, EPN, Suite 2141, 6130 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892-7317, USA. eh51p@nih.gov
Limburg
Paul J
PJ
Viner
Jaye L
JL
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D018890:Chemoprevention / Q000379:methods; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008019:Life Style; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012307:Risk Factors; D018426:SEER Program; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor