A Glimpse into the Past

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted history of cancer prevention, tracing its roots from the surgical and workplace recommendations of the 1700s. The narrative is enriched with a plethora of research findings, both preclinical and clinical, that have shaped the field of cancer prevention over the years.

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The Source Article Details

Cancer prevention: from 1727 to milestones of the past 100 years. by Scott M Lippman et al. in 2009.

Cited By: 98 (Updated: September 11, 2023)

The Source Article's Abstract

The rich, multidisciplinary history of cancer prevention recounted here begins with surgical and workplace recommendations of the 1700s and ends with 2009 results of the enormous (35,535 men) Selenium and Vitamin E [prostate] Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). This history comprises a fascinating array of chemopreventive, vaccine, surgical, and behavioral science research, both preclinical and clinical. Preclinical milestones of cancer prevention include the 1913 and 1916 mouse studies by Lathrop and Loeb of cancer development associated with pregnancy or cancer prevention through castration (oophorectomy), preventing chemically induced mouse carcinogenesis as early as 1929, energy restriction studies in the 1940s, the 1950s discoveries and later molecular characterizations of field cancerization and multistep carcinogenesis, and the effects of angiogenesis inhibition in genetically engineered mice reported in 2009. The extraordinary panoply of clinical research includes numerous large and smaller chemoprevention studies of nutritional supplements, other dietary approaches, a Bacillus Calmette-GuÃ©rin trial in 1976, molecular-targeted agents, and agents to prevent infection-related cancers such as hepatitis B virus vaccine to prevent liver cancer in 1984. Clinical surgical prevention includes removal of intraepithelial neoplasia detected by screening (including Pap testing developed in 1929 and culposcopy for cervical premalignancy and colonoscopy and polypectomy to prevent colorectal cancer begun in the 1960s) and prophylactic surgeries, such as in Lynch syndrome patients begun in 1977. Behavioral studies include smoking cessation and control beginning in the 1950s, obesity control rooted in studies of 1841, and genetic-counseling and cancer-survivorship studies. This history of pioneering events may help in better understanding who we are and what we want to achieve as cancer prevention researchers and practitioners.

Citing the Source Article (APA)

Lippman, S.M., Hawk, E.T. (2009). Cancer prevention: from 1727 to milestones of the past 100 years.. Cancer research, 69(13), 5269-5284. 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-09-1750

Preclinical Milestones

Delving into the early 20th century, the article highlights significant mouse studies by Lathrop and Loeb that explored the association of cancer development with pregnancy and the potential of castration as a preventive measure. The article also sheds light on groundbreaking research from the 1920s to the 1950s, including studies on chemically induced mouse carcinogenesis, energy restriction, and the molecular intricacies of field cancerization and multistep carcinogenesis.

Clinical Research and Its Implications

The clinical aspect of cancer prevention has witnessed remarkable advancements, as detailed in the article. From large-scale chemoprevention studies focusing on nutritional supplements to the introduction of the hepatitis B virus vaccine in 1984 to combat liver cancer, the strides made in this domain are commendable. The article also emphasizes the significance of early detection through screening methods like Pap testing and the role of prophylactic surgeries in conditions like Lynch syndrome.

Behavioral Interventions and Their Role

Behavioral studies have played a pivotal role in cancer prevention. The article underscores the importance of initiatives like smoking cessation programs that began in the 1950s and the emphasis on obesity control, which has its roots in studies dating back to 1841. Furthermore, the article touches upon the relevance of genetic counseling and the growing field of cancer survivorship studies.

Overall, this article serves as a testament to the relentless efforts of researchers and practitioners in the realm of cancer prevention. It offers valuable insights and reflections that can guide future endeavors in this field. Read the full article here and share your thoughts on the evolution of cancer prevention strategies.

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Tags: Behavioral Science Cancer Prevention Chemoprevention Surgical Prevention Vaccine