Cancer Epidemiology In High-risk Populations And Complex Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
My research program aims to better understand the causes of cancer and factors that influence outcomes after cancer diagnosis. It employs classical and innovative cancer epidemiology and includes large-scale studies of cancer incidence, survival and risk factors in people with immune dysfunction. It also includes studies of lymphoid malignancies and ‘cancer of unknown primary’ origin. The research program aims to build an evidence base for interventions that will reduce the burden of cancer nati ....My research program aims to better understand the causes of cancer and factors that influence outcomes after cancer diagnosis. It employs classical and innovative cancer epidemiology and includes large-scale studies of cancer incidence, survival and risk factors in people with immune dysfunction. It also includes studies of lymphoid malignancies and ‘cancer of unknown primary’ origin. The research program aims to build an evidence base for interventions that will reduce the burden of cancer nationally and internationally.Read moreRead less
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
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.
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
A Case Control Study Of Risk Factors For Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,592,353.00
Summary
Although most prostate cancers are not fatal, some develop into an aggressive form that is likely to progress and kill. How this happens and how to prevent these cancers, is not well understood. The study will examine the lives of men with aggressive prostate cancer, from the time of conception to adulthood, their family history and genetic characteristics to identify the role of life patterns and genes in the development of these cancers, seeking a basis for their prevention .
A Population-based Family Study Of Follicular Lymphoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,703,070.00
Summary
Annually more than 900 Australians are diagnosed with follicular lymphoma. The proposed research aims identify the environmental and genetic causes of this serious blood cancer. People diagnosed with lymphoma, and a family member, will provide detailed personal and family histories, and a blood sample. Exposure to specific chemicals, types of work, sun exposure, and body size are some of the factors the study will examine. The 5-year study will be conducted in NSW, ACT and Victoria.
Endometrial cancer (uterine or womb cancer) is the most common invasive gynaecological cancer in Australia. Each year more than 1400 women are affected by the condition, and death is common amongst a subset with more aggressive disease. We plan to conduct a national study of endometrial cancer to identify options for prevention of the disease. No previous studies have looked at risk factors for endometrial cancer in Australian women. In particular, we hope to identify modifiable risk factors for ....Endometrial cancer (uterine or womb cancer) is the most common invasive gynaecological cancer in Australia. Each year more than 1400 women are affected by the condition, and death is common amongst a subset with more aggressive disease. We plan to conduct a national study of endometrial cancer to identify options for prevention of the disease. No previous studies have looked at risk factors for endometrial cancer in Australian women. In particular, we hope to identify modifiable risk factors for endometrial cancer, and identify genes that make some women particularly susceptible to the disease. There are at least two main types of endometrial cancer and limited evidence suggests that they may have different causes. Few studies have examined the two different types separately, and there is virtually no information regarding risk factors for the more aggressive forms. In addition, little is known about genetic factors that predispose women to endometrial cancer. In the present study, we will investigate which genes cause endometrial cancer in women who have a strong family history of the disease. We will also identify genes that are related to endometrial cancer in women with no obvious family history of cancer, and investigate how these genes interact with environmental factors (such as hormone replacement therapy and obesity) to cause disease. National epidemiological studies of other cancers are currently being conducted by our research groups within QIMR. In the present proposal, we will use our experience to build on the infrastructure and procedures already in place to conduct a new study on endometrial cancer. As one of the largest population-based studies of endometrial cancer ever conducted, it will be able to answer many of the questions that are currently unresolved. Moreover, answers will be relevant to Australian women and clinicians as well as to inform prevention strategies.Read moreRead less
Understanding Causes Of The Rising Incidence Of Thyroid Cancer – What Can Mutations In The BRAF Oncogene Tell Us About Causes And Diagnostic Pathways For Thyroid Cancer?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$610,222.00
Summary
The occurrence of thyroid cancer has increased rapidly over the last 25 years but the cause is unknown. The increase may reflect ‘over-diagnosis’ of less harmful cancers or greater exposure to causes of this cancer. Evidence suggests that a gene mutation (BRAF) in thyroid cancers is important in understanding the drivers of the increase. This study will examine the increase in thyroid cancer by investigating causes and diagnostic pathways considering the presence or absence of BRAF mutations.