Introduction

Cancer Advances
Information From the Experts
New York – April 2003
Getting Ahead of the Curve: New Strategies in Cancer Prevention and Screening

As the leading society of medical professionals who treat people with cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is committed to improving cancer care and prevention. As part of this mission, ASCO has developed patient resources, such as the Cancer Advances series, to help consumers become better educated about various aspects of cancer including its prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and care.

This issue of Cancer Advances focuses specifically on cancer risk, prevention, and screening. Over the past several decades, much progress has been made in understanding the causes of cancer, as well as our ability to screen for various types of cancer.

For instance, we now know that the risk of developing cancer can be greatly reduced by avoiding certain things that are known to cause cancer, such as smoking, second-hand smoke, and overexposure to the sun. We also know that other factors, such as good nutrition and regular exercise, help lower the risk of many different cancers.

Regardless of the type of cancer, it is clear that early detection of the disease is key to improved survival. Screening—including going for regular check-ups, performing self exams, and following guidelines for additional screening tests, such as mammography and colonoscopy—is essential to early detection.

The following is a look at five specific types of cancer, and an overview of the various prevention and screening methods that are currently available for each. In addition, each section features a look ahead to some of the new techniques that are being studied as possible prevention and screening methods for the future.

The information contained in this publication is based on expert presentations from the ASCO Meet the Experts session held in New York in April 2003. This information is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the treating physician's own professional judgment; nor does it imply ASCO endorsement of any product or company.

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