I am an epidemiologist using large scale cohort study methods to investigate potentially modifiable factors affecting common conditions, particularly those related to ageing.
The Predictors Of Knee Cartilage Loss: A 5 Year Natural History Study Based On An Existing Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$76,380.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the single biggest cause of disability in Western society. Despite this, relatively little is known about the factors that effect disease progression. This will be the first extended follow up study of cartilage volume in people with early OA. This study will build on our existing work where we have developed a cohort study of adults with early knee OA. These people were initially recruited in 1997-8. An extensive data base of potential risk factors for OA has been collect ....Osteoarthritis (OA) is the single biggest cause of disability in Western society. Despite this, relatively little is known about the factors that effect disease progression. This will be the first extended follow up study of cartilage volume in people with early OA. This study will build on our existing work where we have developed a cohort study of adults with early knee OA. These people were initially recruited in 1997-8. An extensive data base of potential risk factors for OA has been collected and both X-rays of the knee and MRI have been performed at baseline and 2 years. Extending the follow up from 2 to 5 years will allow not only more precise estimation of rates of cartilage loss and assessment of risk factors, but also enable assessment of the assumption of linearity of cartilage volume loss. It will also be possible to partition the observed variability in rates of loss into true between-subject variability and within subject residual variability. This partitioning will provide valuable information for the design of future studies in OA, similar to the establishment of statistical design principles for patterns of loss in bone mineral density.Read moreRead less
Population Health Modelling, With Applicationsto Asbestos-related Diseases, Cervical Cancer And Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
Population health modelling can be used to understand complex systems, through bringing together diverse data sources to answer questions of public health importance. We will apply modelling techniques to three public health areas, including: the effects of HPV testing on cervical cancer screening; the impact of the rapid uptake of PSA screening on prostate cancer incidence and mortality; and projections of the incidence of asbestos-related diseases.
I am a cancer epidemiologist, specialising in molecular epidemiology. I investigate the genetic and environmental causes of gynaecological cancers, and their consequences (prognosis, survival, quality of life, economic).
Risk Factors For Molecular Sub-types Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,194.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer is Australia's most common cancer. It actually has several subtypes that probably have different causes and which may respond differently to treatment . The aim of this study is to see whether risk factors for a newly identified form of colorectal cancer, called CIMP, differ from those for the more common form of colorectal cancer. Knowing this may help us understand better how the disease is caused and so design better ways to prevent it.
Gynaecological, Oesophageal And Skin Cancer In Australia: Developing The Evidence-base
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,079,935.00
Summary
Our Program addresses cancers of the ovary, uterus, oesophagus and skin (both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers). The first three cancers together affect almost 4,000 people and cause more than 2,000 deaths every year while skin cancer affects almost 400,000 Australians each year. Our aims are, first, to understand better how these cancers are caused so that we can try to prevent them in the future; second, to enhance diagnosis of these cancers; and third, to improve the survival and qualit ....Our Program addresses cancers of the ovary, uterus, oesophagus and skin (both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers). The first three cancers together affect almost 4,000 people and cause more than 2,000 deaths every year while skin cancer affects almost 400,000 Australians each year. Our aims are, first, to understand better how these cancers are caused so that we can try to prevent them in the future; second, to enhance diagnosis of these cancers; and third, to improve the survival and quality of life for people who are diagnosed with these cancers in Australia.Read moreRead less
The Relationship Between Environmental Exposures And The Development Of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,141.00
Summary
Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer and is potentially preventable. Little is known about the causes, although it is likely that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. The early age at diagnosis suggests that exposures before birth or in early childhood, may be involved in its development. This study will investigate whether non-occupational environmental exposures in these key time periods increase the risk of disease and thus may help to prevent the disease.
Infectious And Lifestyle Determinants Of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$983,711.00
Summary
Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the leading cancers in Australia, with about 2% of the population developing them each year. As well as sun exposure, a number of other factors have been thought to effect these cancers. This study will examine if factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and infection with certain skin related human papillomaviruses also increase their risk. Even a small effect may make a big difference when it comes to preventing these common cancers.