Cancer epidemiological research has a long and distinguished history and as we continue our work in ever expanding new fields, molecular or otherwise, it is perhaps worthwhile to take time out occasionally to ponder what lessons we can learn from the past. Many of the paradigms which are presently accorded respect in fact were hinted at by very early work and it is fitting that we take a look at how previous developments knit with the present status of cancer research in different areas of the world. For this purpose the present review focuses on cancer epidemiology in Japan, in the hope of gleaning advantage from past experience in planning future programs.
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