How to make better use of scientific knowledge for cancer prevention

Cancer prevention research has produced profound scientific knowledge that has led to the development of several evidence-based prevention strategies. But do these research outcomes lead to preventive action in real life? Many factors contribute to the so-called 'implementation gap' between prevention recommendations and their application and adherence, including individual actions and behaviour, health service structures and political actions. This article discusses factors underlying the implementation gap in both clinical- and population-based prevention. Understanding how these factors contribute to the implementation gap is important for planning successful cancer prevention strategies, as well as generally achieving disease prevention.