A substantial amount of epidemiologic and laboratory data indicates that the majority of human
cancers should be preventable. In this article, the
biologic basis of
cancer prevention is presented and the major factors contributing to the initiation, promotion, and progression of
cancer in humans detailed. These include tobacco, ultraviolet and ionizing (
radon) radiation, certain chemicals (
asbestos,
aniline dyes), and viruses--both sexually transmitted and endemic. Dietary factors both enhance and inhibit
carcinogenesis in humans. In this article, the roles of fat, fiber, and
beta-carotene are reviewed with respect to the genesis of breast, colon, prostate, lung, and
oral cancers. A large number of prevention trials involving most common
malignancies are being conducted in the United States and abroad. This article considers the major strategies and methodology of prevention trials and outlines the major trials now in progress.