Cancer Prevention Science Blog

A research blog from the NCI Division of Cancer Prevention

Due to restructuring and reductions in force at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the DCP Cancer Prevention Science blog will no longer be published. Thank you very much for your support over the years.

Defining Patient Tolerability to Cancer Treatments Helps Reduce Negative Outcomes

May 23, 2024 | By DCP Staff

Three seated female patients who are recovering from cancer therapies: one doing her nails, one reading, and the other crocheting.

For decades, cancer patients have participated in clinical trials of new therapies, and clinicians have assessed and recorded any adverse or toxic reactions to the treatments. Over the years, researchers have standardized the reporting of those side effects using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE).

An Improved Prostate Cancer Biomarker Test May Help Men Avoid Unnecessary Biopsy

April 29, 2024 | By Alyssa M. Voss, M.P.H.

Number of new prostate cancer cases per 100,000 men: 114.9 white men; 188.7 black men.

Researchers funded by NCI have developed and validated a new prostate cancer urinary biomarker test that can help differentiate who should proceed for biopsy after an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test from those who can wait.

Cancer Pain Research Addressing Multiple Causes, Multiple Managements

March 19, 2024 | By Rachel Altshuler, Ph.D., and Brennan Streck, Ph.D., R.N., M.P.H.

Pain occurs in up to 50% of patients with cancer.

As improved cancer treatments have led to increased cancer survivorship, cancer survivors are now living longer with chronic pain. NCI is supporting research to address this issue.

Research Highlights: Barrett’s Esophagus Translational Research Network (BETRNet) Studies Provide Insights into Prevention and Risk for Esophageal Cancer

January 30, 2024 | By Susan Jenks

Whole cranberries in a bowl and placed within a drink in a glass.

Findings from two studies aimed at learning more about preventing the type of esophageal cancer with the fastest growing incidence rate have emerged recently from the Barrett’s Esophagus Translational Research Network (BETRNet) as it winds down its collaborative activities.

NCI Launches Network to Study Self-Collection for HPV Testing to Prevent Cervical Cancer

January 25, 2024 | By DCP Staff

On January 25, 2024, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, with public and private partners, is launching a new clinical trial network to gather data on a “self-collection” method of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing to prevent cervical cancer. This method, if determined viable, could open new opportunities for improving uptake of cervical cancer screening.