For almost 30 years, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (CEBP) has been the leading subspecialty journal for scientifically meritorious reports on fundamental and applied population-focused cancer research describing the burden of cancer, uncovering possible causes of cancer and its progression, and informing and evaluating strategies for cancer prevention, early detection, cancer survivorship, and closing the cancer disparities gap. During that time, cancer mortality rates have declined tremendously in the United States (1) and in other high-income countries (2), due, in a large part, to advances in population-level cancer prevention and early detection strategies. Without question, the research published in CEBP has contributed to the consensus of knowledge that propelled these successes. Unfortunately, not all cancer sites and subpopulations in high-income places have had the same advances (3). In low- and middle-income countries, shifts in population demographics and economic development and associated increases in the prevalence of risk factors have led to rising cancer mortality rates (2).
As always, more research remains to be done, and CEBP is the respected home for the publication of population-focused articles reporting on such work. I am excited to have been named the new Editor-in-Chief of CEBP and to have the opportunity to contribute to its publication mission of impactful population science research on cancer. It is an honor to follow Drs. Pelayo Correa, founding editor (1991–1997), the late Frederick P. Li (1998–2002), John Potter and David Alberts (2003–2008), and Timothy R. Rebbeck (2008–2018) in this consequential undertaking.
CEBP's scope (http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/site/misc/about.xhtml) is narrow with respect to the entire field of cancer research yet is broad with respect to disciplines encompassed by its scope. Population science research on cancer is rooted in epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, measurement-based laboratory science, among other disciplines, each with its own concepts, logic, methods, standards, perspectives, and expectations. CEBP thus exposes readers to the breadth of research within the field, which can lead to new research ideas through cross-fertilization and can provide multipronged evidence for public health interventions and policymaking aimed at reducing cancer burden. Population science approaches and measurement technologies are ever-evolving, and new exposures and at-risk populations are emerging. Given the rapidity of the field's changes, the new editorial team will be considering whether refinements to CEBP's scope are warranted by reviewing recent trends in submissions and content use, trends in the burden of cancer and cancer-relevant issues, and expert opinion on developing cancer topics and methods. In a later 2019 issue, I will provide readers with an update on the vision for the Journal and any adjustments to its scope supported by the editorial team's review.
At this time of editorial transition, I invite all of us—editors, authors, and readers—to send our appreciation to outgoing Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Rebbeck for his impressive efforts and successes in leading CEBP as the population science cancer research journal. Tim served in this role for almost 11 years. He brought clarity to CEBP's scope, which he emphasized by adding the tagline, “Translating Science to Populations.” Notably, he encouraged authors to bring a translational perspective by requiring a statement of impact in the article abstract. He recognized the disciplinary and subject area expansion of population science and brought new talent in these areas into the editorial process. We should also recognize the contributions of retiring Deputy Editors Drs. Thomas Sellers and Electra Paskett for their more than 10 years of service. Tom and Electra collaborated with Tim to refine the Journal's vision, mission, and scope as the field advanced, and provided expert consultation to the editors and authors. Electra deserves our gratitude for her dedication to developing and bringing to fruition Focus issues on emerging and underappreciated topics, such as rural cancer control. Several Senior Editors are retiring after a long tenure, many 10 years or more. As leading experts in their disciplines, they ensured the publication of high-caliber research, for which we should thank them. I am happy to report that several new cancer research leaders will join as Deputy and Senior Editors. Their names will appear on the masthead of an upcoming issue along with some additional Editorial Board members, who reflect the next generation of stellar investigators. As a former Senior Editor and as an author, I am grateful to CEBP's publishing and editorial staff, who ensure the timely review, publication, and marketing of population science cancer research.
I have always felt that publishing in CEBP and participating in its editorial process, including as a reviewer, promotes a shared professional identity and community among cancer population scientists across diverse disciplines. I hope that you feel this sense of community as well. Please (continue to) submit your innovative, impactful, and high-caliber population science research to CEBP, and please (continue to) say “yes” when you are asked to be a reviewer, bringing your expertise to enhance the excellence and import of our colleagues’ cancer science, and thus to CEBP and our field.
