ABSTRACT
The cancer debate often revolves around discussion of the proportion of today's cancer rate that is due to various activities such as smoking, diet, occupational exposure, and pollution. Recent trends in cancer incidence may reveal important clues to future rates. It is undoubtedly true that a significant reduction in cancer risk can result from individual changes in lifestyle—reduced smoking and certain dietary changes. Both the amount and type of cancer is highly variable from one region of the world to the next, largely reflecting the different environments to which the various populations of the world are exposed. For example, populations exposed to excessive amounts of sunlight have a higher incidence of skin cancer. Individuals whose diets are rich in certain natural chemicals run a high risk of cancer. Over the years, society has strongly supported government's authority to act to prevent substantial risks to public health and safety.
