Epigenetics Emerges as a New Frontier in Cancer Prevention Research
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), is actively exploring epigenetics as a promising new frontier in cancer prevention. Dr. Zdenko Herceg, head of the Epigenetics and Mechanisms Branch at the IARC, has led research for two decades, shifting focus from genetic research alone due to its limitations in explaining the impact of environmental factors and lifestyle on cancer development. The IARC has demonstrated that epigenetic changes, influenced by environmental factors like radiation, pollutants, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can serve as biomarkers for early detection, monitoring progression, and evaluating treatment response. Japanese epigenetics research is also making significant contributions, with Dr. Toshikazu Ushijima, president of Hoshi University, suggesting that assessing 'epigenetic predisposition to cancer development' could revolutionize the evaluation of cancer prevention methods. 
