Occupational Exposure To Lead Compounds And Human Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$222,887.00
Summary
This study aims to investigate whether there is a link between cancer (in particular cancer of the stomach, lung, kidney and central nervous system) and occupational exposure to lead compounds. There are only a few published cohort studies available on occupational exposures in use and applications of lead compounds, despite the widespread use of these compounds in the past 50 years. Since the late 1980s the use of lead compounds in Australia has decreased, but Australian and world lead producti ....This study aims to investigate whether there is a link between cancer (in particular cancer of the stomach, lung, kidney and central nervous system) and occupational exposure to lead compounds. There are only a few published cohort studies available on occupational exposures in use and applications of lead compounds, despite the widespread use of these compounds in the past 50 years. Since the late 1980s the use of lead compounds in Australia has decreased, but Australian and world lead production has increased. Australia is the world's biggest producer of lead. The precise number of lead workers worldwide is unknown but there are likely to be more than 2 million workers of which many are in developing countries where control of lead exposure is unsatisfactory and occupational exposure limits are considerably higher than in developed countries. Evidence for or against cancer risk with exposure to lead compounds , in particular inorganic lead, will therefore have implications for many Australian and international workers. This is also important for health risk assessment for environmental contamination in the Australian community. In our study we will review the state government archived records of about 8,000 lead workers in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, who took part in lead compound exposure surveys and had blood tests in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, as part of government lead regulations in force at the time. We will then match the details of these workers against the National Cancer and Death registry data to calculate cancer rates. This should involve a sufficient number of workers to enable us to undertake a comprehensive health evaluation of cancer risk and exposure to lead compounds.Read moreRead less
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.
Risk Of Brain Cancer From Exposure To Radiofrequency Fields In Childhood And Adolescence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$708,426.00
Summary
Mobile phone use is increasing in Australia, especially among children and young adults. This study is the Australian arm of an international multi-centre study that will investigate exposure to radiofrequency radiation from mobile phone use during childhood and adolescence and later onset of brain tumours in people between the ages of 10 and 24 years. There is considerable community concern and scientific interest about possible health effects from mobile phone exposure in young people and this ....Mobile phone use is increasing in Australia, especially among children and young adults. This study is the Australian arm of an international multi-centre study that will investigate exposure to radiofrequency radiation from mobile phone use during childhood and adolescence and later onset of brain tumours in people between the ages of 10 and 24 years. There is considerable community concern and scientific interest about possible health effects from mobile phone exposure in young people and this multi-centre study will provide important information about such cancer risks.Read moreRead less
Integration Of Epidemiological, Biological, And Health Services Data In Cancer Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,032.00
Summary
Improved understanding of carcinogenic mechanisms, such as the importance of gene and environment interaction, has placed increased emphasis on the need for studies combining biological and epidemiological data. The proposed research program incorporates a number of cross-disciplinary studies which bridge classical epidemiology and basic science and strive to improve the clinical relevance and translational potential of research outcomes.
Leukaemia, the most common form of childhood cancer, constitutes an important component of Australia's overall cancer burden. We aim to improve our understanding of the genetic and familial contributions to this disease. By establishing the Victorian Paediatric Family Cancer Study, we have evidence of a relationship between maternal age, onset of leukaema and overall risk of cancer in the family. We aim to determine if this finding is genetically based, implying a larger inherited component than ....Leukaemia, the most common form of childhood cancer, constitutes an important component of Australia's overall cancer burden. We aim to improve our understanding of the genetic and familial contributions to this disease. By establishing the Victorian Paediatric Family Cancer Study, we have evidence of a relationship between maternal age, onset of leukaema and overall risk of cancer in the family. We aim to determine if this finding is genetically based, implying a larger inherited component than previously recognized.Read moreRead less
Professor Whiteman is a medical epidemiologist with interests in the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer. His fellowship will be directed towards research focussing on methods for controlling cancers of the skin and oesophagus.
Research Fellowship – Genetic Epidemiology Studies Of Hormonal Cancers To Inform Improved Healthcare
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,209.00
Summary
This study aims to identify genetic factors that influence the development of endometrial and other cancers, and to develop statistical and laboratory methods that can better determine if variation in a known cancer gene is disease-causing. The results will be used to identify and prioritise individuals at greatest risk of cancer for the most appropriate clinical management. Discovery of novel cancer genes will improve our understanding of disease development to develop future therapies.
Anogenital Human Papillomavirus Infection And Its Outcomes In Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$333,433.00
Summary
Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is common in homosexual men. Low risk types cause anal warts and high risk types of HPV cause anal cancer. This study will determine incidence and risk factors for HPV infection in a cohort of young homosexual men, the association of anal warts treatment with HIV risk, and the specific association of HPV subtypes with anal cancer. The findings of this research will help delineate the potential benefits of HPV vaccination in this population.
Big Data To Inform The Impact Of Antibiotics And Proton Pump Inhibitors On Immunotherapies Used To Treat Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$115,883.00
Summary
Antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) affect gut bacteria health. Gut bacteria are involved in the function of the immune system and potentially the effectiveness of immunotherapies. However, the impact of antibiotics and PPIs on the efficacy of immunotherapies is unknown. Newly available big data will be used to determine the impacts of antibiotics and PPIs on immunotherapy efficacy, informing on the best cancer treatments to use in patients who require antibiotics or PPIs.
Metabolic And Hormonal Pathways In Gynecological Cancer - Epidemiological Studies Of Risk And Survival
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,275.00
Summary
Metabolic and hormonal factors probably play a role in a womans chance of developing and surviving gynecological cancer, but the exact mechanisms are unclear. This project will use questionnaire information, blood and tumour samples of over 5,000 Australian women to examine the mechanisms leading to cancer development and survival among women with uterine and ovarian cancer, the two commonest female reproductive cancers. Results will help plan primary prevention strategies and care.