Understanding Cancer Prevention, Risk Factors, and Early Detection
Cancer is the leading cause of death globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022 alone. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for effective cancer prevention, risk management, and early detection. Despite progress, misconceptions, limited access to healthcare, and social barriers continue to hinder cancer prevention efforts. Addressing these challenges requires education, proactive lifestyle choices, early screening, and medical advancements.
We spoke with oncology experts Amy DePue, MSN, RN, OCN, CBCN, Jayne Gurtler, MD, FACP, and Martin J. Murphy, DMedSc, PhD, FASCO to understand the challenges related to cancer prevention. Amy DePue and Jayne Gurtler shared their insights on misconceptions about cancer prevention, the roles of lifestyle and genetics in cancer risk, the importance of early detection, and strategies to improve healthcare access.
Common Misconceptions About Cancer Prevention
Amy DePue addressed some of the most common misconceptions about cancer prevention, many of which stem from non-scientific sources and are prevalent on social media. These myths are some of the driving forces behind many people deciding to not be pro-active about their health.
Many of the myths listed in the 2014 editorial “Debunk the myths: Oncologic misconceptions” published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research are still being discussed and disseminated as truths about cancer today. Here are three of the most common:
Myth #1: Sugar is a leading cause of cancers developing.
Sugar is a leading cause of obesity, particularly belly fat, and it can cause fatigue and restless sleep, which leads to a modifiable risk factor to developing cancer, but cancers are not caused by sugar itself.
Myth #2: Clinical trials are not useful in combatting cancer.
Clinical trials may not be an individual’s path to eradicating cancer, but they certainly pave the way to more beneficial information about medicines and treatment modalities than anything else. Without clinical trials progress in developing effective drugs and therapies would not be possible. Clinical trials are vital in improving cancer outcomes for many patients.
Myth #3: There is nothing that can be done to prevent cancer.
While genetic factors and age cannot be changed, certain lifestyle adjustments—such as improved diet, exercise, and regular screenings for breast, cervical, and colon cancer—can significantly reduce cancer risk.
Dr. Jayne Gurtler highlighted the growing concern of obesity with sarcopenia (muscle loss) as contributors to cancer risk. She urged a shift in dietary habits, citing that modern grocery store offerings often fail to support a healthy, evolutionarily appropriate diet. Raising awareness about these connections is essential for managing cancer risk in today’s society.
Lifestyle Choices and Genetic Predisposition Both DePue and Gurtler emphasized the critical roles of diet, exercise, and genetics in managing cancer risk. DePue explained that while genetics can predispose individuals to certain cancers, adopting a healthier lifestyle— through exercise, balanced nutrition, and avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol—remains one of the most effective ways to reduce overall cancer risk.
“Lifestyle changes don’t offer the instant proof that many people seek, but they are the most reliable path toward long-term health,” said DePue. She also noted the dangerous allure of quick fixes or unproven treatments, which often divert attention from the real work of lifestyle changes.
Gurtler recommended practical methods for integrating exercise into daily life, such as gardening, house cleaning, or simple chair exercises for individuals with mobility challenges. She also advocated for promoting healthy eating, such as Mediterranean diet recipes, and providing resources for smoking cessation and alcohol recovery.
Early Screening and Prevention
Early intervention is essential in the fight against cancer, particularly for those looking to proactively reduce their risk. While some individuals can easily access preventive care, many face significant barriers that prevent them from doing so. According to DePue, “There are many who are not able to practice cancer prevention because of limitations to their resources.” While social determinants of health (SDOH) such as access to transportation and financial instability remain obstacles, DePue stresses that communities must play a role in helping to remove these barriers.
In addition to screening programs, DePue highlights the importance of follow-up care after screenings, whether it’s for a biopsy or simply to discuss results. “What happens after [successful screening],” she asked. We need to have programs that include the next steps – it’s not enough to simply provide screenings—ensuring that patients have the resources and support to act on their results is equally important.
DePue believes that a community-based approach is necessary for overcoming these challenges. “If we look at [SDOH], we can ask about transportation, financial resources, whether there is danger in losing one’s residence, but if at any time the patient or caregiver answers to the affirmative, there must be a resource we can offer to remove that deficit. It then becomes a community effort to erase the deficit, and it becomes everyone’s responsibility to see it through.”
Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility
The conversation surrounding cancer prevention, risk factors, and early detection underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach. With ongoing education, research, and community support, there is hope for reducing the global cancer burden. DePue and Gurtler agree that empowering individuals with reliable information, supporting proactive healthcare measures, and improving access to screenings and follow-up care are essential steps in creating a healthier, cancer-aware society.
The fight against cancer is not just a matter of medical advancements; it requires a collective responsibility to educate, empower, and ensure access to critical resources for everyone, especially those in underserved communities.