Preface

There is growing evidence on the importance of studies focusing on mechanisms and strategies leading to cancer prevention. The plethora of approaches include regulation of oxidative stress using antioxidant therapies, carefully balanced diets and living habits, epidemiological evidence and molecular approaches on the role of key biological molecules such as antioxidant enzymes, vitamins, proteins and naturally occurring free radical scavengers as well as controversial results and clinical applications. These are some of the topics that this book highlights. Furthermore, it provides comprehensive reviews of the state-of-the-art techniques and advances of cancer prevention research of different areas and how all this knowledge can be translated into therapeutic benefits as well as controversies. The primary target audience for the book includes PhD students, researchers, biologists, medical doctors and professionals who are interested in mechanistic studies on cancer prevention, clinical approaches and associated topics.

In section 1, top experts discuss a diverse set of carcinogenesis mechanisms with emphasis in oxidative stress, DNA damage and inflammation. Specifically, Dr Li Yang and colleagues discuss the targeting of tumor microenvironments and cancer prevention. Dr Du's chapter concentrates on the role of inflammatory reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Fanconi anemia hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. Dr Eddy Yang and colleagues concentrate on the interplay between inflammation, DNA damage and cancer exploring the positive roles of vitamin D, retinoid and antioxidants. Dr Cofre's chapter focuses on Kaiso protein and prognosis of cancer discussing especially the role of immunohistochemistry in the current epigenetic paradigm. Finally, for this section, Drs. Showalter and Czerniecki 'dissect' very successfully the targeting of molecular pathways for prevention of high-risk breast cancer.

In section 2, chapters focus on the contribution of specific dietary and lifestyle patterns to cancer as well as in prevention. Dr Novaković and colleagues discuss how nutrition, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use may contribute to carcinogenesis and the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent the appearance of a malignancy. Dr Kotzev's chapter concentrates on the prevention of colorectal cancer and especially the various risk and protective factors for colorectal polyps and cancer. Dr. Wada's work focuses on the preventive effects of food components and commonly used supplements in colorectal cancer as well as controversies. Dr Kaliora's and Dr Kountouri's chapter

#### X Preface

discusses the exciting chemopreventive activity of Mediterranean medicinal plants while Dr De Souza's comprehensive review chapter explores critically the dietary manipulation for therapeutic effect in prostate cancer. Dr Barone's work discusses extensively the roles of phytoestrogens as nutritional modulators in colon cancer prevention. On the same note, Dr Akpinar-Bayizit and colleagues concentrate on the unique therapeutic potential of pomegranate and its products for prevention of cancer. Last but not least, Dr Sanghvi and colleagues focus on the prevention of cervical cancer in women living with HIV in the developing word.

The last section of this book, section 3, targets strategies for effective prevention and translational benefits i.e. from the bench to the clinic. The chapter by Dr Kreps on strategic communication for cancer prevention and control, and especially the ways for reaching and influencing vulnerable audiences opens the discussion in this section. Dr Lichtveld and colleagues concentrate on the advantageous creation of a sustainable cancer workforce through focusing on disparities and cultural competence. Dr Morré and Dr Morré shed light on the opportunities for cancer prevention based simply on early and reliable detection. The comprehensive review by Dr Phillips and Dr Crawford critically presents the changing landscape of prostate cancer chemoprevention with all current strategies and future directions. In a more clinical direction, Dr Craina and colleagues concentrate on the current advances in the field of therapeutic strategies in endometrial cancer. Finally, our concluding chapter for this book, by Dr Roca-Pardiñas and colleagues targets the significance of reducing false positives in CAD mammographic schemes for detecting breast microcalcificacions, a type of radiologic signs of irregular shape.

#### **Dr. Alexandros Georgakilas**,

PhD, Associate Professor, Head of DNA Damage and Repair Laboratory, Biology Department, Howell Science Complex, East Carolina University, Greenville NC, USA

X Preface

discusses the exciting chemopreventive activity of Mediterranean medicinal plants while Dr De Souza's comprehensive review chapter explores critically the dietary manipulation for therapeutic effect in prostate cancer. Dr Barone's work discusses extensively the roles of phytoestrogens as nutritional modulators in colon cancer prevention. On the same note, Dr Akpinar-Bayizit and colleagues concentrate on the unique therapeutic potential of pomegranate and its products for prevention of cancer. Last but not least, Dr Sanghvi and colleagues focus on the prevention of cervical

The last section of this book, section 3, targets strategies for effective prevention and translational benefits i.e. from the bench to the clinic. The chapter by Dr Kreps on strategic communication for cancer prevention and control, and especially the ways for reaching and influencing vulnerable audiences opens the discussion in this section. Dr Lichtveld and colleagues concentrate on the advantageous creation of a sustainable cancer workforce through focusing on disparities and cultural competence. Dr Morré and Dr Morré shed light on the opportunities for cancer prevention based simply on early and reliable detection. The comprehensive review by Dr Phillips and Dr Crawford critically presents the changing landscape of prostate cancer chemoprevention with all current strategies and future directions. In a more clinical direction, Dr Craina and colleagues concentrate on the current advances in the field of therapeutic strategies in endometrial cancer. Finally, our concluding chapter for this book, by Dr Roca-Pardiñas and colleagues targets the significance of reducing false positives in CAD mammographic schemes for detecting breast microcalcificacions, a

**Dr. Alexandros Georgakilas**, PhD, Associate Professor,

> Biology Department, Howell Science Complex, East Carolina University,

> > Greenville NC,

USA

Head of DNA Damage and Repair Laboratory,

cancer in women living with HIV in the developing word.

type of radiologic signs of irregular shape.

**Section 1** 

**and DNA Damage** 

**Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis,** 

**Role of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation** 
