Prevention and Epidemiology form the foundation of population-level cancer control by focusing on risk reduction, early intervention, and understanding disease patterns across diverse populations. This session examines how epidemiological evidence informs prevention strategies, public health policies, and clinical decision-making in oncology. By analyzing cancer incidence, distribution, and determinants, prevention-focused research plays a critical role in reducing disease burden and improving long-term outcomes worldwide.

Cancer prevention operates across multiple levels, including primary prevention aimed at reducing exposure to risk factors, secondary prevention focused on early detection, and tertiary prevention designed to minimize recurrence and complications. Epidemiological studies provide the data necessary to identify modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, environmental exposures, infections, diet, physical inactivity, genetic predisposition, and socioeconomic determinants. Understanding how these factors interact helps guide targeted prevention initiatives and screening recommendations discussed at every major Cancer Conference.

Population-based cancer registries and surveillance systems are central to epidemiology, enabling the systematic collection and analysis of cancer data over time. These data sources help track trends in incidence, mortality, and survival while revealing geographic, gender-based, and age-related disparities. Such insights are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of prevention programs and identifying emerging cancer patterns. The integration of traditional epidemiology with molecular and genetic data has further strengthened the field, allowing researchers to link exposure histories with biological mechanisms of carcinogenesis.

Infectious agents play a significant role in cancer epidemiology, particularly in cancers associated with viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Vaccination programs, antimicrobial strategies, and public health interventions have demonstrated measurable success in reducing infection-related cancers. Lifestyle-related cancers, on the other hand, require sustained behavioral and policy-level interventions, including tobacco control legislation, occupational safety standards, and community-based health promotion initiatives. These multifaceted approaches reflect the complexity of cancer prevention efforts addressed within Prevention and Epidemiology research.

Health inequities remain a persistent challenge in cancer prevention. Differences in access to healthcare, education, screening services, and preventive resources contribute to unequal cancer outcomes across populations. Epidemiological research helps identify vulnerable groups and informs equitable strategies that address social determinants of health. In low- and middle-income regions, limited infrastructure and late-stage diagnosis further emphasize the need for scalable prevention models supported by robust epidemiological evidence.

Advances in data analytics, digital health, and population modeling are transforming cancer epidemiology. Large-scale datasets, real-world evidence, and predictive modeling enhance risk stratification and enable personalized prevention strategies. These innovations strengthen the translation of epidemiological findings into actionable public health policies and clinical guidelines. By bridging research, prevention, and policy, this session highlights how cancer epidemiology shapes the future of cancer control and sustainable healthcare systems.