How can public health help prevent cancer? Episode 13 of "That's Public Health"

Summary

Deboki Chakravarti, a science educator, discusses the role of public health in cancer prevention and treatment. The U.S. has spent over $100 billion on cancer research since 1971, yet cancer remains a leading cause of death. Public health focuses on primary prevention, such as HPV vaccinations and smoking cessation, and secondary prevention through early screenings. Despite these efforts, underserved populations face barriers to access. The video advocates for shifting more resources to prevention, emphasizing that stopping cancer before it starts is the most effective way to reduce deaths.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍🏫 The United States declared the 'war on cancer' in 1971, investing over $100 billion in research, but significant progress in finding cures has been limited.
• 💵 Despite the investment, cancer remains a leading cause of death in the U.S., with high death rates for breast, skin, and other cancers.
• 🛡️ Primary prevention, which includes efforts like vaccination and environmental changes, is key in reducing cancer risk before it develops.
• 💉 HPV vaccination can reduce cervical cancer cases by nearly 90%, making it an essential public health intervention.
• 🚭 Tobacco use contributes to 30% of cancer deaths, and tobacco control policies like smoking bans have significantly reduced lung cancer deaths.
• 🔍 Secondary prevention focuses on early detection of cancer through screenings, which can improve treatment outcomes and save lives.
• 🏥 Barriers like lack of insurance disproportionately affect people of color, making it harder for them to access early cancer screenings and increasing late-stage cancer diagnoses.
• 💊 Tertiary prevention involves treating cancer with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy to prevent further damage and improve patient outcomes.
• 💸 In 2020, the U.S. spent over $200 billion on cancer treatment, which is double the amount spent on primary prevention for all diseases.
• 📈 Public health experts advocate for shifting more government spending towards primary and secondary prevention to reduce cancer rates and improve early detection for underserved populations.

Q & A

What was the 'war on cancer' launched in 1971?

The 'war on cancer' refers to an initiative launched by the United States in 1971 to find cures for common cancers. Despite spending over $100 billion on research, progress has been limited, and cancer remains a leading cause of death.

Why is primary prevention important in the fight against cancer?

Primary prevention is important because it focuses on stopping cancer before it occurs, such as through vaccinations and environmental changes. Preventive measures can drastically reduce the incidence of cancer, as seen with the HPV vaccine reducing cervical cancer cases by nearly 90%.

How does smoking contribute to cancer rates, and what public health interventions have been made to address this?

Smoking causes around 30% of all cancer deaths and contributes to heart disease. Public health interventions include tobacco control policies, such as workplace smoking bans, which have prevented almost 800,000 deaths from lung cancer between 1975 and 2000.

What are some examples of primary prevention methods for cancer?

Examples of primary prevention include vaccinations, like the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer, and environmental modifications, such as smoking bans to reduce secondhand smoke exposure, which also helps reduce cancer risk.

What is secondary prevention, and why is it crucial in cancer treatment?

Secondary prevention involves early detection of cancer, which can make treatment more effective. Routine screenings, like mammograms and skin checks, help catch cancers at early stages, improving survival rates and reducing cancer-related deaths.

What are some barriers to early cancer screening, especially for underserved populations?

Barriers to early cancer screening include lack of health insurance, high costs, and limited access to affordable healthcare. People of color and those with lower incomes are disproportionately affected, leading to later-stage cancer diagnoses and higher death rates.

How does Medicaid help reduce cancer death rates?

Medicaid provides free or low-cost health insurance, helping more people access cancer screenings and early diagnosis. Expanding Medicaid eligibility can prevent unnecessary cancer deaths by enabling underserved populations to get timely screenings.

What is tertiary prevention, and how does it relate to cancer care?

Tertiary prevention focuses on treating diseases that have already developed, aiming to prevent further damage or death. In cancer care, it includes treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy to remove or control the disease.

Why does the U.S. spend more on tertiary prevention than on primary prevention?

In 2020, the U.S. spent over $200 billion on cancer treatment, compared to much less on primary prevention. This focus on treatment rather than prevention contributes to higher cancer death rates, especially among underserved populations.

What shift in public health spending do experts advocate for to reduce cancer rates?

Public health experts support shifting government spending towards primary and secondary prevention to focus on preventing diseases or diagnosing them early. This would help lower cancer rates and improve health outcomes for all populations.