[Prevention of cancer--what do we do in Denmark and what can we achieve?]

Abstract

We know from our cancer registers and from epidemiological research that we have a major potential for cancer prevention. If the risk factors had been commonly known in the population and the population had been willing to change their risk behaviours, about one third or perhaps half of all new cases could have been avoided today. Cancer epidemiology has pointed to factors of major importance for public health, such as use of tobacco, dietary factors (including alcohol), physical activity, obesity, environmental exposure in leisure time (sun), and in the workplace. All of these can be subject to primary prevention, i.e. behavior to minimise the individual's risk of contracting cancer. Studies on secondary prevention such as screening for cancer have attracted much attention, perhaps at the expense of secondary prevention related to tobacco, alcohol, and diet in the treatment, thereby avoiding side effects and improving the outcome of therapy. Cancer epidemiology has a long tradition in Denmark, whereas translation of the epidemiological findings into prevention is lagging behind. In future, a close collaboration is needed between health professionals, communication and marketing experts, as well as specialists in education and psychology. Only by joining forces with different disciplines will it be possible to target primary and secondary prevention to ease the burden of disease in the population. Evidently, implementation of preventive measures, will benefit from political will and support.