Letter From the Editors

The War on Cancer was initiated in 1971 with an Act of Congress signed by President Richard Nixon. Progress in this war has always been measured with statistics that reflect the incidence and mortality of different cancers in the US. From a prevention perspective, reductions in cigarette smoking have been associated with a decreased incidence of lung cancer. Breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer screening have all been beneficial in decreasing the cancer burden. Scientists and physicians continue to evaluate potential chemoprevention agents. Current research issues in cancer prevention in the US focus on the identification of patients with high-risk premalignant lesions who might benefit from interventions.

The last few years have witnessed an emphasis in the economic and political sectors on globalization, as well as major investments by the Gates Foundation and others in health needs of the developing world. In tune with that, we are interested as well in bringing to the attention of our readers some of the truly remarkable efforts in cancer prevention that are transpiring around the globe. In terms of lives saved, some of these interventions may have saved more lives than advances in our own country. For example, the discovery of the association of hepatitis B virus and hepatocellular carcinoma with the subsequent development and introduction of a vaccine against hepatitis B has led to a major decline in hepatocellular carcinoma in East Asia. This in its own right is a remarkable achievement. Similarly, one hopes that the new human papillomavirus vaccine will rapidly become available in the developing world and lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. The possibility of carrying out clinical trials in the developing world and gaining answers to important questions in real time also must be contemplated.

In this issue of Cancer Prevention, we initiate our series on “Cancer Prevention around the Globe” with an article that discusses the problem of oral cancer in India. Oral cancers are relatively uncommon in the US, and when seen, usually occur in the context of tobacco and alcohol use. In India, oral cancer is a major killer because of the widespread use of the betel nut. Physicians and scientists from India and the US are now working collaboratively in an effort to prevent oral cancer. In an era of team science, there is much to be gained from multinational collaborations such as this one. We invite you to read about it in the article by Drs. Boyle, Duffield-Lillico, and Kuriakose. Travel around the world with us in our next issue as well when we address another global cancer prevention topic.

The Editors
Andrew J. Dannenberg, MD
Henry R. Erle, MD-Roberts Family Professor of Medicine
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Co-Director
Cancer Prevention Program
Columbia Weill Cornell Cancer Centers
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Alfred I. Neugut, MD, PhD
Myron M. Studner Professor of Cancer Research
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology
Head of Cancer Prevention
Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Mailman School of Public Health
Co-Director
Cancer Prevention Program
Columbia Weill Cornell Cancer Centers
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital