Abstract 7400: Prevention outpatient clinic: evidence-based, risk-stratified counseling and prevention research
Authors: Ursula M. Will
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Abstract The Prevention Outpatient Clinic (POC), the centerpiece of the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC), is being established in Heidelberg through a long-term partnership between the German Cancer Research Center and the German Cancer Aid. This initiative aims to systematically expand evidence-based, personalized cancer prevention across Germany, integrating all essential elements of prevention, from basic research and clinical trials to public counseling and the training of prevention specialists, under one roof. Inspired by the Comprehensive Cancer Centers model, the NCPC seeks to create a comprehensive and sustainable framework for cancer prevention. At the POC, visitors complete a digital questionnaire before engaging in a personalized consultation with medical experts. A specialized prevention counseling guide is used to develop tailored, evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving overall health and addressing specific cancer risk factors. This guidance encourages positive lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, healthier dietary choices, weight management, and increased physical activity. To further support these changes, the POC provides programs that focus on behavioral therapy, motivational techniques, psychoeducation, group nutritional counseling, and physical activity initiatives. The clinic collaborates with external partners to offer additional services, such as specialized smoking cessation programs, dietary advice, targeted exercise opportunities, age-appropriate cancer screenings, and genetic counseling, ensuring a comprehensive approach to prevention. In addition to its counseling services, the POC is deeply integrated into cancer prevention research. Participants are invited to contribute biosamples (e.g. blood, urine, stool, saliva) for a long-term registry study, forming a valuable resource for future research. Collaborative studies with DKFZ and partner institutions explore areas such as genetic risk profiling, biomarker discovery, innovative early detection methods, and digital prevention tools. Dedicated research studios enable in-depth exploration of the roles of nutrition and physical activity in cancer prevention. Data collected from these activities feed into a comprehensive database, driving the ongoing refinement of prevention strategies and the development of innovative interventions. Regular follow-up appointments ensure sustained support and allow the POC to monitor the effectiveness of its services, adapting them based on emerging scientific evidence. Once piloted and refined, the POC model will be scaled to other locations across Germany. This expansion will make personalized prevention counseling and participation in cutting-edge research accessible to all, empowering citizens nationwide to actively engage in reducing cancer risks and improving long-term health outcomes. Citation Format: Ursula M. Will. Prevention outpatient clinic: evidence-based, risk-stratified counseling and prevention research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 7400.