Carpe Diem: Time to Seize the Opportunity for Cancer Prevention

Abstract

INTRODUCTION In his plea for increased resources to implement cancer prevention strategies, Graham Colditz, MD, states that half or more of cancers in the U.S. and other high-income countries are preventable with information already available. He describes the data-driven possibilites: screening, vaccination, exercise, smoking cessation, sun protection, safe sexual practices, and moderate to no alcohol intake, as well as approaches to implement these strategies and makes a compelling case for using resources for this purpose. Dr. Colditz is Associate Director of Prevention and Control in the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, and Niess-Gain Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Washington University School of Medicine. He received his PhD in epidemiology from Harvard University, and his Internal Medicine Training at the Royal Brisbane Hospital in Australia. Dr. Colditz has an enormous volume of publications, with over 800 original research articles. He has worked to identify lifestyle and environmental factors that affect people's health, and to develop and teach cancer prevention strategies at the individual and community levels. His research also powers a website— www.yourdiseaserisk.wustl.edu —that helps people assess their risk of developing cancer, diabetes and other diseases as well as suggesting ways to lead longer, healthier lives. His work is inspirational in combining excellent scientific investigation with dedication to making results available and useful to non-scientists. Gini F. Fleming, MD, Cancer Education Committee Chair