Current status and perspectives in environmental oncology

• Published in: Chronic diseases and translational medicine Vol. 10; no. 4; pp. 293 - 301
• Main Authors: Liu, Jie, Gan, Ting, Hu, Wenbiao, Li, Yumin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States John Wiley and Sons Inc 01-12-2024; Wiley
• Subjects: cancer; climate; disparities; environment; environmental oncology; prevention; disparities; environmental oncology; environment; cancer; climate; prevention
• ISSN: 2589-0514; 2095-882X; 2589-0514
• DOI: 10.1002/cdt3.148

Cancer stands as a leading global cause of death, with its etiology characterized by complexity and multifaceted factors. Growing research indicates a strong correlation between environmental factors and cancer incidence, underscoring the critical importance of intervening in environmental risk factors to mitigate cancer occurrence. Despite this, specialized research institutions focusing on the intersection of environment and cancer remain scarce, with global investment in cancer prevention significantly trailing behind efforts in diagnosis and treatment. Against the backdrop of rapid global climate change, industrialization, urbanization, aging populations, and the globalization of lifestyles, we proposed the concept of Environmental Oncology (EO) to address these challenges. We discussed the rationale and necessity of developing EO and presented a comprehensive research framework focusing on cancer prevention and treatment. Future EO research will aim to identify cancer causes and implement early prevention strategies using advanced scientific technologies and methods. By emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration and integrating molecular biology at the micro level, EO will explore the relationship between external and internal environments and cancer. EO will identify potential therapeutic targets by studying the pathways through which environmental exposures lead to carcinogenesis. EO will develop early warning systems and disseminate research findings by collecting big data, employing robust statistical models, and establishing research centers.
Environmental risk factors and potential etiological mechanisms of cancer.
Highlights
Significant findings of the study: There is an urgent need to establish the emerging discipline of Environmental Oncology.
What this study adds: The study introduces the concept and framework of Environmental Oncology, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and advanced technologies.