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Role of the Oncologist in Cancer Prevention

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Epidemiologic Studies in Cancer Prevention and Screening

Part of the book series: Statistics for Biology and Health ((SBH,volume 79))

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Abstract

As oncologists have steadily improved their treatment of cancer, their success has evoked calls from various sectors for them to become more involved in cancer prevention, especially since the treatments they prescribe contribute to an increase in second primary malignancies. Oncologists’ professional organizations and peer group leaders have reinforced these calls by forming committees and curricula to overcome barriers to involvement in cancer prevention. However, oncologists have been slow to respond to these challenges. A description is provided of their present piecemeal involvement in various aspects of primary and secondary cancer prevention, but their choice to concentrate on tertiary prevention (treatment of established disease) is recognized. This chapter suggests an innovative way for how oncologists could lead the development of a comprehensive survivorship care plan for each survivor. This new role would automatically involve them in more comprehensive cancer prevention and rehabilitation by focusing on their own patients who have already overcome the first attack of the disease.

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  1. CAREpath, 123 Edward Street, Suite 502, Toronto, ON, M5G 1E, Canada

    William Hryniuk

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  1. William Hryniuk
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Correspondence to William Hryniuk .

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  1. University of Toronto, 392 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, L6J 1J8, Ontario, Canada

    Anthony B. Miller

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Hryniuk, W. (2013). Role of the Oncologist in Cancer Prevention. In: Miller, A. (eds) Epidemiologic Studies in Cancer Prevention and Screening. Statistics for Biology and Health, vol 79. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5586-8_22

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