Cancer Epidemiology Research Program

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ABSTRACT: CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY PROGRAM The Cancer Epidemiology program studies environmental, genetic, and molecular risks for cancer and cancer outcomes to identify priorities for public health and clinical intervention. The program has three aims: (1) Risk- Based Prevention and Early Detection: To identify opportunities for risk-based prevention and early detection of cancer; (2) Treatment, Outcomes and Survivorship: To improve cancer treatment, outcomes, and survivorship through epidemiologic and clinical research that leads to evidence-based interventions; (3) Integrative Molecular Epidemiology: To deepen understanding of cancer etiology, heterogeneity, and survivorship through integrative human molecular and histopathologic studies of precursor lesions and tumors. A major cross-cutting theme is addressing the epidemiology of health disparities. As a comprehensive cancer center in an economically, socially, and racially diverse state, CE is well-poised to address health equity. Across these aims, we use multidimensional North Carolina studies and conduct cross-program research to yield high impact findings. Members have expertise in population-based epidemiology, data linkage, pharmacoepidemiology, survey research, clinical research, screening, molecular and biomarker research, translational preclinical research, sociology, pathology, genomics, data science, computer science, and statistical and epidemiologic methods. Research resources include population-based studies of breast, colon, prostate, head and neck cancer as well as registries for breast and lung screening. Many of these studies participate in large national and international data-sharing initiatives and consortia. The Program brings value to the Center through study resources that collect exposure and outcome data, and biospecimens, a unique shared resource (Statewide Cancer Data), and expertise in epidemiologic methods. The Program is supported by UNC Lineberger’s investments in faculty recruitments, shared resources and developmental funds. The UNC Lineberger strategic plan emphasis on optimizing cancer outcomes in North Carolina has led to significant investment across population sciences and is expanding in new areas in coming years including endometrium and bladder, with sustained support for ongoing data collection in breast cancer and head and neck cancers. The CE Program consists of 33 members who are associated with 9 departments at UNC- Chapel Hill and affiliated institutions. During the last funding period, program members have published 776 cancer-related articles, 24% were inter-programmatic and 19% were intra-programmatic (34% collaborative). In 2019, our program members held grants totaling $10.0M (direct cost) in cancer-relevant extramural funding, including $5.2M (direct costs) from the NCI and $3.0M other peer-reviewed funding.