Cancer Precursors

Cancer Precursors is a groundbreaking, multidisciplinary text containing a comprehensive overview of methodological issues associated with the study of pre-cancerous conditions, as well as reviews of the contributions of descriptive, analytical, and molecular epidemiological research to knowledge about cancer precursors at specific anatomical locations. The research focuses on the early natural history of cancers, by helping to define the etiology of precursor lesions, improving the means of detecting them either directly or via testing of surrogate biomarkers, and by elucidating the role of remote causes leading to the early onset of such lesions.

In this issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics, guest editor Dr. Elizabeth K. O'Donnell brings her considerable expertise to the topic of Cancer Precursor Syndromes and Their Detection. Top experts focus on cancer precursors for different sites, with articles on the risk-benefit analysis of early interception; plasma cell precursors; early detection and interception of lung cancer, cervical cancer, GI cancers, skin cancer; and head and neck cancer; biomarkers and early detection; and more. Contains 12 relevant, practice-oriented topics including clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP); prostate cancer: early detection and intervention; ductal carcinoma in situ; cancer prevention; and more. Provides in-depth clinical reviews on cancer precursor syndromes and their detection, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.

In this issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics, guest editor Dr. Elizabeth K. O'Donnell brings her considerable expertise to the topic of Cancer Precursor Syndromes and Their Detection. Top experts focus on cancer precursors for different sites, with articles on the risk-benefit analysis of early interception; plasma cell precursors; early detection and interception of lung cancer, cervical cancer, GI cancers, skin cancer; and head and neck cancer; biomarkers and early detection; and more. Contains 12 relevant, practice-oriented topics including clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP); prostate cancer: early detection and intervention; ductal carcinoma in situ; cancer prevention; and more. Provides in-depth clinical reviews on cancer precursor syndromes and their detection, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is a global public health issue. With an ever-increasing, and ageing, world population coupled with increasing numbers of immunosuppressed individuals the number of patients continues to rise. The head and neck is overwhelmingly the most frequent location for the development of a non-melanoma skin cancer and as such challenges the clinician with its complex anatomy. The importance of maintaining the aesthetics of the face and the function of the anatomy cannot be overstated, yet ultimately it is always the aim of curing a patient with the minimum of morbidity that clinicians strive for. However, the spectrum of presentations and subsequent management varies widely, ranging from patients with the ubiquitous low-risk mid-face basal cell carcinoma to those diagnosed with relatively uncommon but potentially life-threatening high-risk squamous cell carcinomas (e.g. involving metastatic lymph nodes or with perineural invasion present) and Merkel cell carcinomas.

Most women who die from cervical cancer, particularly in developing countries, are in the prime of their life. They may be raising children, caring for their family, and contributing to the social and economic life of their town or village. Their death is both a personal tragedy, and a sad and unnecessary loss to their family and their community. Unnecessary, because there is compelling evidence, as this Guide makes clear, that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. Unfortunately, the majority of women in developing countries still do not have access to cervical cancer prevention programmes. The consequence is that, often, cervical cancer is not detected until it is too late to be cured. An urgent effort is required if this situation is to be corrected. This Guide is intended to help those responsible for providing services aimed at reducing the burden posed by cervical cancer for women, communities and health systems. It focuses on the knowledge and skills needed by health care providers, at different levels of care.