Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention

Abstract

In the past several decades, epidemiology has emerged as an integral part of cancer research. It has become important not only as related to risk factors, but in the investigation of molecular theories, in issues of environmental regulation, and in providing rational approaches to cancer prevention and control. This text, edited by Drs Schottenfeld and Fraumeni, containing contributions by many notable experts, is a highly successful attempt to put much of this wealth of information together in a useable format. The text is divided into five sections. The first, "Basic Concepts," contains six chapters on epidemiologic methods and the biology of cancer. While impossible in a single chapter to present full discussions, a suitable framework of definitions and concepts is provided. Section 2, "The Magnitude of Cancer," has six chapters that include not only national and international cancer data but information on survival and the economic impact of cancer. The