Why are Prospective Studies Important in Cancer Research?
Prospective studies are essential for several reasons:
Identifying Risk Factors: They help identify risk factors for cancer, such as lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, and environmental exposures. Establishing Causality: Unlike retrospective studies, prospective studies can establish a temporal relationship between risk factors and the development of cancer, helping to infer causality. Long-term Data: They provide long-term data on cancer incidence, progression, and survival, which is invaluable for developing effective public health policies.
