Perspectives on cancer prevention

Cancer prevention is a major component of cancer control, which also comprises screening, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. Preventive approaches need to be congruent with those adopted for other chronic diseases, with a major impact in reduction of incidence and mortality of many common cancers to be expected from smoking control and dietary modification. Increasing interest is now being paid to other environmental causes of cancer, and to gene-environment interactions. However, one of the major research needs remains the evaluation of better ways to convince people to make the necessary changes in their lifestyle that will reduce their risk of cancer.