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Cancer Chemoprevention Strategies

Pharmacologic interventions to reduce cancer incidence in defined risk populations

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Cancer Chemoprevention Strategies?

Chemoprevention applies pharmacologic agents and vaccines to interrupt carcinogenesis in individuals at increased baseline risk. Aspirin reduces colorectal cancer incidence and mortality with prolonged use, particularly in Lynch syndrome carriers, while tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors prevent contralateral breast cancer in high risk women.

Finasteride and dutasteride lower the incidence of prostate cancer in selected men, although interpretation is complicated by an apparent increase in high grade tumors. Human papillomavirus vaccination prevents cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers and is endorsed for adolescents of both sexes. Hepatitis B vaccination prevents hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic infection.

Lifestyle measures complement chemoprevention. Smoking cessation, alcohol moderation, weight control, and exposure to ultraviolet light protection reduce multiple cancers. Patient selection for chemoprevention requires shared decision making that weighs absolute risk reduction, side effects, and individual preferences.

Symptoms

No symptoms when cancer is prevented
Vasomotor symptoms with tamoxifen
Sexual side effects with five alpha reductase inhibitors
Bleeding risk with chronic aspirin use
Injection site reactions with vaccines

Risk Factors

Strong family history of cancer
Hereditary cancer syndrome carriage
Chronic viral infection with hepatitis B or human papillomavirus
Premalignant lesions on screening
High lifetime breast cancer risk

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When hereditary syndrome is identified
  • When breast cancer risk score is elevated
  • When premalignant cervical lesions are detected
  • When chronic hepatitis is diagnosed
  • When considering aspirin for primary prevention

Treatment Methods

01
Risk assessment with validated models
02
Genetic counseling and testing
03
Selective estrogen receptor modulators or aromatase inhibitors
04
Aspirin in selected colorectal cancer risk groups
05
Human papillomavirus and hepatitis B vaccination
06
Lifestyle modification including tobacco cessation
07
Shared decision making with periodic reassessment

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.