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.

Research Highlights: Investigating Ways to Reduce and Avoid Side Effects of Medications for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction

December 15, 2023 | By DCP Staff

A graphic displaying alternative paths from point A to point B: direct, circuitous, and roundabout.

There are many approved medications for reducing breast cancer risk, but they can cause toxic side effects that lead people to forego preventive interventions. Two recent NCI-supported studies looked at ways to provide breast cancer risk reduction while reducing the chance of adverse side effects.

Research Highlights: How Western-Style Diet, Aging, May Impact Cancer Risk in Intestinal Cells

October 25, 2023 | By DCP Staff

A collection of healthy foods on the left side of the image (e.g. fruits and vegetables) with unhealthy foods on the right side (e.g., donuts, chips, marshmallows)

A healthier diet has been associated with reduced risk of cancer, but the mechanisms of how that actually works continue to be investigated. In two recent studies, researchers are looking to understand the process on a molecular level.

Research Highlights: Repurposing Common Medications to Prevent Cancer

September 11, 2023 | By DCP Staff

An image of a prescription bottle encircled with a reusable symbol.

Two recent publications focus on widely used treatments for other diseases to evaluate possible roles in the prevention of cancer. One looked at the potential of statins, a common heart disease drug, to prevent gynecologic cancers, and the other examined whether metformin, a drug for type 2 diabetes, could reduce the risk for breast cancer development. In both studies, investigators relied on a growing understanding of the anti-cancer mechanisms of each drug to assess efforts to repurpose them for cancer use.

Collaboration Spurs Rapid Growth and Progress in Cardio-Oncology Research

August 8, 2023 | By DCP Staff

Two outstretched arms holding a heart shaped object in hand.

Cardio-oncology research looks at cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity, or damage to the heart and cardiovascular system (including heart valves and vessels) that can occur during or after cancer treatment. Over the last decade, efforts from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in this area, as well as the field in general, have expanded significantly.

U.S. Study Shows HPV Antibodies Remain High Up to 2 Years After a Single Dose of HPV Vaccine

July 18, 2023 | By Linda Wang

A patient receiving a vaccination shot in the arm.

After receiving an initial single dose of the HPV vaccine Gardasil 9, children aged 9 to 11 had high levels of two key antibodies that protect against HPV infections and cancer for up to 2 years before receiving their delayed booster dose, according to results from a clinical trial supported by NCI.