Cancer prevention is not a political issue—it’s a public health mission that demands leadership at every level. From the food we eat to the air we breathe, the homes we live in, and the schools we attend, nearly every aspect of daily life influences cancer risk. Preventing cancer requires collaboration across government, communities, schools, workplaces, and families. But leadership alone isn’t enough—we must be guided by science, evidence, and expertise to ensure that our actions are effective, not just well-intended.
At the federal level, policymakers shape systems that support prevention. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees agencies responsible for cancer research, screenings, and treatment. The Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) sets nutrition guidelines and food safety policies, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates carcinogens in air, water, and soil. The Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Housing impact workplace safety, access to medical treatments, and housing conditions—all critical in reducing cancer risk.
But national policies alone aren’t enough. State and local legislators play a direct role in cancer prevention through public health initiatives, environmental regulations, and education policies. They set laws on tobacco and vaping, regulate pollutants in drinking water, fund community health programs, and determine access to healthcare services. Local zoning laws even influence cancer risk by determining whether communities have access to healthy food or are exposed to industrial pollution.
Who holds office does matter—leaders must understand the importance of science, evidence-based policy, and public health protections. When decision-makers ignore or undermine science, the consequences can be devastating. We need leaders at every level of government who are committed to using data, research, and expert guidance to drive cancer prevention policies.
That said, conditions will not always be ideal. Progress requires collaboration, even with those who may not fully align with our views. Our job is to engage, educate, and advocate—to ensure that those in power work with us, not against us. We must be persistent, finding common ground where we can and holding leaders accountable where we must. Cancer prevention is too important to be sidelined by partisanship or personal differences.
However, leadership and policy must be informed by science, research, and the expertise of those who have dedicated their lives to understanding cancer risks and prevention strategies. Public health experts, oncologists, epidemiologists, environmental scientists, and researchers are essential guides in shaping effective cancer prevention efforts. Decisions must be driven by data, not convenience or ideology. When science is ignored, misinformation spreads, and lives are put at risk. Prevention isn’t just about good intentions—it’s about following what evidence tells us works.
Yet, cancer prevention isn’t just about government action—it starts at home, in schools, and in local communities. Parents set the foundation for healthy habits, teachers educate children on wellness, and businesses create safer workplaces. Community leaders, faith-based groups, and nonprofits provide essential education and support. But at every level, we must ensure that our actions align with scientific findings and an understanding of social determinants of health, access, distance, and the social aspects of medicine. As communities—locally, statewide, and nationally—we must work toward solutions that level the playing field, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or economic status, has access to preventive care, early detection, and healthier environments.
Prevention is leadership. It requires a broad vision that goes beyond hospitals and into policies, understanding the systemic barriers to care, and creating real solutions. Protecting public health means protecting people—where they live, learn, work, and play. We need all oars in the water. We need everybody rowing. Cancer prevention is an all-hands-on-deck mission—this is a solution for all, by all.
I hope friends and colleagues will join Less Cancer for the National Cancer Prevention Workshop on February 4, in recognition of National Cancer Prevention Day. The workshop will take place at the United States Congressional Cancer Prevention Caucus in the Rayburn Building, Gold Room, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
We’ll be discussing the power of advocacy in cancer prevention and how we can work together—across policies, communities, and industries—to create lasting change. Prevention isn’t just a healthcare issue; it’s a collective responsibility. I look forward to seeing you there!