© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.
Improving cancer prevention is part of the mission of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Cancer Prevention and risk-reduction strategies can greatly lower the physical, emotional, and financial burden of cancer and improve the overall health of cancer survivors, including lowering the risk of the cancer coming back or the formation of a second cancer.
Although the risk of developing cancer can be greatly reduced by avoiding risk factors, not all cancers are preventable. Review Cancer.Net's Cancer Types sections for more information about preventing specific types of cancer.
The information in this section is adapted from the ASCO Curriculum, Cancer Prevention, an education resource developed by ASCO for doctors and other health care professionals who treat people with cancer.
Understanding Cancer Risk
A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease, such as cancer. This section provides an overview of risk factors.
Cancer Screening
Find information about the goals and limitations of cancer screening and common screening tests.
Health Disparities and Cancer
Find information about health disparities and cancer in the United States and links to additional resources.
Chemoprevention
Find information on how chemoprevention can slow the development of cancer.
Diet and Nutrition
Learn about the role of diet and nutrition in the prevention of cancer during and after treatment
Physical Activity
Learn how physical activity can prevent cancer and get physical activity recommendations for good health.
Tobacco
Learn how not smoking and quitting smoking prevents cancer and improves the results of cancer treatment.
Weight Control
Find information on why maintaining a healthy weight is important for cancer prevention and recovery from cancer.
Resources
Find additional information about cancer prevention.