In fact, this approach is new, and there are some differences in the notions among the few groups of scientists who are pushing the approach forward. But such details in the industry don't matter to the public at this point, I guess. (Not for this blog purpose, anyway).
What counts is that we are working to change the way cancer preventive medicine is practiced. Hopefully in a short time.
If you are health-conscious and read health articles in the web, you may have read statements like "green tea is good","turmeric can prevent cancer", or "take aspirin".
Many cancers are preventable. In the lab animals, they worked to prevent cancers. In human meta-analysis, they worked, too.
But, do you really want to, or need to, take them?
Like any medicinal reagents, they can even do harm if you take them unnecessarily and at a high dose. After all, the doctors prescribe Lipitor only to people with high cholesterol, and not to everybody, don't they?
Here is the truth. It has been difficult to determine who need cancer preventive medicine, and who don't. Dietary supplements are often taken by consumer's mood or by fear. Not by necessity.
Our new approach is aiming at giving an answer to the question; enable doctors to determine if you benefit from taking cancer preventive medicine, or if you have no need. Enable doctors to start counseling only to the people in need.
We anticipate some changes in healthcare system with this administration and the GOP-led congress. It seems a possibility that many might lose insurance.
Imagine you are diagnosed as a cancer. Cancer therapy is expensive, and fear for financial ruin certainly adds to the burden.
In such a time, preventive medicine should play more role in medicine. Like Benjamin Franklin said, ''an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Preventive medicine should be practiced in clinic in a more effective manner with stronger scientific backing.
....these were a part of my talk. We are preparing for more comprehensive academic writing, too.
[One of the slides used in the talk]
