Explore the research contributions of our esteemed cluster members through a selection of key publications. These research projects showcase the innovative work driving our research cluster forward to continue to enhance the field of cancer prevention research.
Understanding Cancer Prevention through Geospatial Science: Putting Cancer in its Place
We are excited to announce the publication of the book Understanding Cancer Prevention through Geospatial Science: Putting Cancer in its Place, a part of the Springer book series titled Global Perspectives on Health Geography (GPHG). This edited volume explores the pivotal role of geography in cancer prevention. As the global cancer burden is expected to double in the next two decades, Understanding Cancer Prevention through Geospatial Science delves into how geospatial tools and methods can be leveraged to prevent cancer. Through a series of geographically diverse case studies, the book examines cancer risk factors, such as exposure to environmental carcinogens, access to screening services, and cancer prevention policies, actions and initiatives. By adopting a geographical approach, this work highlights the need to address the upstream and structural determinants of cancer in order to implement effective and equitable interventions. This publication is a significant and unique contribution to the field of cancer control, offering evidence-based strategies to prioritize cancer prevention for a diversity of populations.
The book was edited by CPRC lead Dr. Trevor Dummer, with several chapters authored by CPRC researchers and students.
Canadians’ knowledge of cancer risk factors and belief in cancer myths
E Rydz, J Telfer, EK Quinn, SS Fazel, E Holmes, G Pennycook & CE Peters*
* = CPRC Member
This study aimed to evaluate Canadians' awareness of known cancer risk factors and cancer myths and to explore how awareness may vary by sociodemographic and cognitive factors.
Researchers identified cancer myths through comprehensive scans of published literature, grey literature, and social media. Survey data collected from 734 participants revealed that while respondents demonstrated good recognition of known cancer risk factors (70%), their awareness of cancer myths was comparatively lower (49%). Analysis indicated that awareness of known risk factors was affected by population density and income, and awareness of myths by province, ethnicity, age, and cognitive disposition scores. Active open-minded thinking and a preference for effortful thinking were associated with greater discernment. Notably, while tobacco-related risk factors were well-recognized, awareness of other established risk factors, such as low fruit and vegetable intake, was quite poor. Additionally, prevalent myths included beliefs in the protective effects of consuming antioxidants and organic foods, alongside uncertainties regarding the impacts of factors such as glyphosate exposure and lifestyle choices (e.g., consuming red wine, vitamin intake) on cancer risk reduction.
These findings underscore the importance of addressing misconceptions surrounding cancer risks, which have the potential to detract from efforts to mitigate established risk factors and promote public health initiatives. Cancer myths can be harmful in themselves and can detract the public’s attention from and action on established risk factors.
Outcomes From Opportunistic Salpingectomy for Ovarian Cancer Prevention
Gillian E Hanley*, Celeste Leigh Pearce, Aline Talhouk*, Janice S Kwon, Sarah J Finlayson, Jessica N McAlpine, David G Huntsman*, Dianne Miller
* = CPRC Member
Opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) is the removal of the fallopian tubes during a hysterectomy or as an alternative to tubal ligation without removing the ovaries. OS is recommended to reduce cancer risk, particularly for serious ovarian cancers. However, the efficacy of OS remains uncertain. This population-based retrospective cohort study examined ovarian cancer rates among individuals in British Columbia, Canada, who underwent OS compared to control surgeries (hysterectomy alone or tubal ligation) from 2008 to 2017. Exclusions included prior gynecological cancers.
The OS group comprised 25,889 individuals (mean age: 40.2 years; median follow-up: 3.2 years) and the control group had 32,080 individuals (mean age: 38.2 years, median follow-up: 7.3 years). No serious ovarian cancers occurred in the OS group, with fewer than five epithelial ovarian cancers diagnosed in this group. The expected versus observed numbers of breast and colorectal cancers were similar.
Those in the OS group has significantly fewer serious and epithelial ovarian cancers than were expected according to the rate at which they ocurred in the control group. These findings suggest that OS is associated with reduced ovarian cancer risk.