A National Case-Control Study Of The Causes Of Childhood Brain Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,159,259.00
Summary
Childhood brain tumours are the second most common childhood cancer (~20%) after leukaemia (~35%) and are the leading cause of cancer death among children. Children who survive a brain tumour are often left with physical and mental problems as a result of treatment. This can have a significant impact on the child, family and community. Greater understanding of the causes of childhood brain tumours may lead to preventative measures. Most children with brain tumours are very young, suggesting that ....Childhood brain tumours are the second most common childhood cancer (~20%) after leukaemia (~35%) and are the leading cause of cancer death among children. Children who survive a brain tumour are often left with physical and mental problems as a result of treatment. This can have a significant impact on the child, family and community. Greater understanding of the causes of childhood brain tumours may lead to preventative measures. Most children with brain tumours are very young, suggesting that factors to which parents are exposed may affect future children. For this reason, it is important to study the parents as well as the child. This study will investigate environmental exposures known to be harmful, such as parental cigarette smoking and exposure to pesticides and other chemicals. Such exposures are also thought to increase the risk of other childhood cancers like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. We will also investigate whether dietary factors - including vitamin supplements - in the parents or the child can reduce the risk of a child developing a brain tumour. This study also examines genetic factors which can influence the body's ability to deal with toxins. Some genetic variations, combined with diet and lifestyle factors, may alter the risk of developing some cancers. These interactions need to be examined in greater detail for childhood brain tumours. This national study will examine specific genes and analyse them in conjunction with rigorous assessment of exposures throught to be related to the development of childhood brain tumours. Results obtained from children with brain tumours and their parents will be compared with those from healthy 'control' children and their parents. This is the first study to assess gene-environment interactions in relation to the risk of childhood brain tumours.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.
Improving Cancer Outcomes In Under-studied Cancers By Understanding Their Risk Factors And Patterns Of Cancer Care.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
Cancer is the second leading cause of disease burden in Australia. Much can be done to reduce this burden through effective cancer prevention and ensuring all patients receive optimal evidence-based care. This research focuses on thyroid, kidney and ovarian cancer and aims to increase knowledge of these cancers’ causes and to investigate variation in patient care and its impact on outcomes. Ultimately the objective of the work is to decrease Australia’s cancer burden.
Generating The Evidence To Control Cancer And Optimise Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,564,341.00
Summary
Our Program addresses the public health aspects of common cancers, particularly cancers of the skin and gynaecological tracts. Each year in Australia, nearly 400,000 people are treated for skin cancer, and more than 3,500 women develop ovarian or uterine cancer. Our aims are first, to understand how we might prevent these cancers 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
Microsimulation Modelling Of Post-Polypectomy Colonoscopy Surveillance Strategies For The Prevention Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$101,535.00
Summary
This research will provide a comprehensive evidence-based framework for post-polypectomy endoscopic surveillance in bowel cancer screening. A population-based micro-simulation model of colorectal cancer development will be used to perform epidemiological and health economic evaluations of Australian and international endoscopic surveillance guidelines. These will help inform policy that will potentially lead to improvements in bowel cancer screening and surveillance programs in Australia.
Testing And Treatment For Prostate Cancer In Australia: Epidemiology And Modelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$267,886.00
Summary
We aim to use observational data and mathematical modelling to investigate testing and treatment for prostate cancer in Australia. We will incorporate changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and in clinical practice to investigate: a) over-diagnosis, being cancer cases diagnosed through PSA testing that would not have been otherwise diagnosed; b) the effect of PSA testing on prostate cancer mortality; and c) mortality and health care use under different PSA test scenarios.
Quantifying Breast Cancer Over-diagnosis In An Organized Mammography Screening Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
While breast screening reduces breast cancer deaths by finding cancers earlier, it may also find cancers that would never have required treatment. Currently there is no clear consensus about the level over-diagnosis. This study will examine the extent of over-diagnosis by comparing the breast screening histories of women diagnosed with breast cancer and women who have not had breast cancer. Findings will inform policy on breast screening in Australia.
The Prevalence, Incidence And Natural History Of Anal Cellular Abnormalities In Mature-aged Homosexual Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$144,725.00
Summary
Anal cancer is one of the most common cancers in homosexual men and rates in Australia are now higher than those of cervical cancer prior to the introduction of routine cervical screening in women. The Mature Aged Gay MenÍs Anal Health Study will enrol 1000 men over 45 years old and follow them for up to 5 years to investigate the progression of anal pre-cancerous lesions in men and the potential of a screening program to allow early detection of these lesions.
The Benefits And Harms Associated With Breast Cancer Screening In The Australian Context.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$80,222.00
Summary
Australia is caught in a dilemma. Breast screening is well-established however there has been fierce debate about the value of screening programmes. I will determine the frequency of benefit and harm due to breast screening programs in Australia to better understand the true extent of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Based on this information, I will make recommendations about how breast screening should be provided in Australia in future and clearly communicate this information to the community