What does primary prevention of cancer focus on?

Primary prevention of cancer focuses on reducing the risk or preventing the development of cancer altogether. This involves strategies and actions aimed at minimizing exposure to risk factors that can lead to cancer, such as lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking cessation, healthy diet, regular physical activity), vaccinations (e.g., HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer), and environmental modifications.

The goal of primary prevention is to stop cancer from occurring in the first place, which distinguishes it from secondary and tertiary prevention techniques. Secondary prevention involves early detection and intervention, while tertiary prevention refers to the management and rehabilitation after cancer has been diagnosed and treatment has begun. Understanding this distinction is crucial for implementing effective cancer control measures aimed at reducing overall incidence rates.